Update

[Andy]

I am not too sure.

Several people have been told that the players will be signed by the franchise with the highest bid. It could be possible that Root would play for a south team and so on!

Throwing money at mediocre players. That's the way to take game forward sustainably.

[neil]

Thing about cities is that while people may not live in them they work in them. If you get your timing and marketing right you may well pick up the "after workers". A few of my mates have become Surrey supporters and go for the afternoon/evening

This whole thing seems to rely on getting new "customers" while maintaining at least some of the existing supporter base. I'm not over convinced - I like the two division fewer number of games suggestions and the points about the Big Bash are valid - although I must say I prefer it to the IPL. But, we do have to do something about cricket and it's finances - and we have to get more youngsters involved

I was watching the LPGA tournament this weekend and the commentators were talking about Michelle Wie. They were saying that her personality and way she dresses may attract, much needed, younger participants to golf. Whether we veterans like it or not what folks are looking for these days in sport is a whole lot different to what we see,

[smandlej]

If we're relying on people 'seeing' the new T20 competition, and those taking part, before they consider coming to watch a match live, we could be waiting a long time, unless they catch the few terrestrial matches being shown.

Our understanding is that there will be no links to the counties at all, apart from some of their grounds being used for the matches.  Any player could be bought by any team, so you could go to your nearest venue - which might even be your home ground - and not see a single player from the county you support.  If it's a choice of paying to see (and, possibly paying extra to go to another county's ground) a match with few, if any, of your county's players, or going to your home ground and watching your own team play, we know which we would choose.

Lynda and Steve

[neil]

If we're relying on people 'seeing' the new T20 competition, and those taking part, before they consider coming to watch a match live, we could be waiting a long time, unless they catch the few terrestrial matches being shown.

Our understanding is that there will be no links to the counties at all, apart from some of their grounds being used for the matches.  Any player could be bought by any team, so you could go to your nearest venue - which might even be your home ground - and not see a single player from the county you support.  If it's a choice of paying to see (and, possibly paying extra to go to another county's ground) a match with few, if any, of your county's players, or going to your home ground and watching your own team play, we know which we would choose.

Lynda and Steve

Well yes -  and I agree. But anything new will be relying on new folks "buying in". Otherwise we may just as well stick with what we've got (not particularly arguing against that!)

Actually you make another interesting point. I am an Essex fan marooned in deepest darkest Kent. I am not that far from Canterbury and have thought occasionally about going there. But, somehow........Now if there was a 20-20 franchise there I might be tempted

There is this whole distinction between existing fans and newcomers that is the difficult bridge to cross!

[Andy]

Ah, Michelle Wie. Apparently she plays golf too.

[squarelegumpire]

Did anyone go to the Forum on 30th? Or is anyone planning to go to that on Thursday?

[neil]

Ah, Michelle Wie. Apparently she plays golf too.

Yes. She does. Not sure of your point? 

[mawallace]

Did anyone go to the Forum on 30th? Or is anyone planning to go to that on Thursday?

I did - it was interesting in that John's the club seems to be taking the approach that we will not vote for the change but once it comes we will accept what happens and try to capatilise it. It was suggested that we might try to convince the ECB to use our ground for the tournament.

It seems that, as noted above, we could lose players to this tournament and test cricket - leaving us with a second rate team for the 50 overs. At the end a vote (non binding) was taken - the majority said against - there were a handful of accept and vote for the change.

[nat]

Did anyone go to the Forum on 30th? Or is anyone planning to go to that on Thursday?

.... It was suggested that we might try to convince the ECB to use our ground for the tournament.

....

Really what planet are these people on?! As if the ECB are going to use a ground located outside a major city and that holds 6000 people.

[bwildered]

There was talk of some out grounds being used at previous meeting to appease Chairman of smaller counties , who where worried of missing the boat , they where also worried that their better player who have there heads turned by playing a bigger venues .
Just like Bash / IPL anyone franchise can sign / bid for anyone within the constraints of the budget .

[Valentines Park]

Now if there was a 20-20 franchise there I might be tempted

Wrong on so many levels.

[neil]

Now if there was a 20-20 franchise there I might be tempted

Wrong on so many levels.

Why?

[Valentines Park]

Because it involves watching T20 in Canterbury.

Next you'll be telling me you'll have a couple of pints of Master Brew to wash it down with. 

[Andy]

Ah, Michelle Wie. Apparently she plays golf too.

Yes. She does. Not sure of your point? 

You've not seen Ms Wie in action?

[neil]

Ah, Michelle Wie. Apparently she plays golf too.

Yes. She does. Not sure of your point? 

You've not seen Ms Wie in action?

Indeed I have

She is a super golfer now she has sorted out her putting problems. And a pretty good role model too...