The Rajasthan Royals have linked up with cricket teams from around the world to create a new global sporting franchise, Royals2020, it was announced on Monday at the home of Cricket, Lords.
The winners of the inaugural Indian Premier League in 2008 will be joined by England’s Hampshire Hawks, who have been renamed the Hampshire Royals. Negotiations are ongoing with West Indies’ Trinidad and Tobago and South Africa’s Cape Cobras to become Royals, with a leading domestic team from Australia completing the franchise.
The strategy is to have a competitive team in each of the main cricketing markets around the world, their selection based on records and commitment to Twenty20 Cricket; player development; stadia; and a cultural and commercial fit with the Royals’ ethos.
Shane Warne, Captain and Head Coach of the Rajasthan Royals said: “I am delighted to be part of this new innovation and I am excited with what we can achieve. It is a bonus that clubs with which I have such deep affection are so involved.”
The idea behind the franchise is for the fans of the Royals to have a team they can support all year round, with teams in every major league in the world. For the players it is an opportunity to develop their game and gain more global exposure with opportunities to play in overseas markets.
Manoj Badale, Chairman and co-founder of the Rajasthan Royals and Royals2020 said: “This is a major innovation in World Sport, and it represents a great opportunity for fans and sponsors to be part of something totally unique and exciting.”
Visit the Royals' website at: www.rajasthanroyals.com
