The eight teams taking part in the England & Wales Cricket Board's new T20 competition "will not be named after the location in which they are based," according to Elizabeth Ammon of the LONDON TIMES. The competition, beginning in '20 and "intended to emulate the success" of the Indian Premier League and the Big Bash League, will be played between "eight new teams not linked to any of the 18 first-class counties." The ECB reportedly decided that, "unlike in the IPL and BBL, the teams will not be named after either the city, county or venue at which they are based." Keeping geography out of the name "makes it easier to move teams around for their matches and, if the competition is a success, potentially move matches to larger venues." It also allows for the introduction of new branding and "a fan base not influenced by location." It is "almost certain that, at least initially," the eight host venues will be the eight largest grounds because of the ECB's desire to maximize attendances. The London Stadium has been ruled out as a potential venue, "at least initially." It means that the eight venues will "almost certainly" be Lord's, the Oval, the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge, Cardiff, Old Trafford and Headingley (LONDON TIMES, 1/2).
