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The Cape Cobras, Hampshire, the Rajasthan Royals and Trinidad & Tobago are set to team up and create the Royals2020, a global Twenty20 cricket franchise, which has been launched at the home of cricket - Lord's.
Hampshire are to be renamed the Hampshire Royals having confirmed their participation while negotiations are ongoing with 2009 Champions League qualifiers the Cobras and Trinidad & Tobago and there are also ongoing discussions with a team in Australia.
"Royals2020 will be a dynamic partnership of leading cricket clubs around the world, with the aim of creating the ‘World’s First Global Sporting Franchise’", a statement from the franchise explained.
"The Royals2020 mission is to grow our fan base; grow the commercial platform for all; provide high class entertainment for the young and families in great grounds; provide opportunities for players to develop their talents; and to entertain fans around the world through great events.
"The Royals strategy is to have a competitive team in each of the main cricketing markets around the world, and our partner selection has been based on: records and commitment to Twenty20 Cricket; commitment to player development; potential for a unique in-stadia experience; and a cultural and commercial fit with the Royals ethos."
Should all four teams successfully sign up, fans of the franchise would in theory be able to see one of their teams in action virtually all through the year with four continents represented.
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