Show T20s for free - Root

– England Test captain Joe Root (above) believes the new planned city-based Twenty20 event must be shown on free-toair television if it is to achieve its aim of attracting a new generation of cricket fans.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced this week their intention to press ahead with a new eight-team Twenty20 event, which they aim to launch in 2020.

ECB chiefs, having seen the success of the Indian Premier League and Australia’s city-based Big Bash Twenty20 tournaments, believe they need something similar to help them reach family audiences and encourage children to become fans of the sport.

However, the proposal has proved hugely controversial as, if enacted, it will mean that for the first time there is a major domestic cricket tournament in England that does not feature all 18 firstclass counties.

“I think it would be a very good idea,” Root told BBC Radio 5 live as he gave his backing to the as yet unnamed tournament, which officials expect to run alongside the existing 18-county Twenty20 Blast.

“You look at other competitions in the world and they have been successful,” he added.

The 2005 Ashes was the last home Test series to be broadcast live on free-to-air television in Britain, with many pundits claiming the switch to satellite coverage has meant cricket has become less ‘‘visible’’ to the public in its birthplace.

“It would make a huge difference,” said Root. “It is very important the public are given an opportunity to see cricket at a national level, on free-to-air TV.’’ – AFP

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