English cricket's T20 revolution: the major questions answered

What is the prospective time frame?

Talks will start before the end of the season with a meeting on Sept 14 when the proposals will be put to the counties. There will be months of negotiations and expect major fall outs between ECB and some of the counties.

This will be the most fractious period for generations. It could end in resignations at board and county level, and splits that last for years. Conceivably the ECB could pass it without county approval but would face rebellion and votes of no confidence in the chairman and chief executive.

But if the case is made properly and persuasively by Colin Graves, Tom Harrison, Andrew Strauss and other ECB officials, as well as TV executives, it could go through on the back of more money and financial security. 

Who is behind this latest move and why?

The ECB under Colin Graves and Tom Harrison, the chief executive, were tasked with examining all T20 options earlier this year and will report back to the counties. Many counties are struggling financially, some are struggling with big debts and see a new T20 tournament as a better guarantee of income rather bidding for international matches. Others, such as London clubs, and smaller counties are doing pretty well out of existing T20.

What are the alternatives?

There are likely to be 3 choices. The new tournament with existing T20 to run alongside, changing the Natwest Blast into two divisions with a Premier League or keeping the status quo. 

Isn't it all governed by TV money? 

To a certain degree. Guaranteeing the financial security of cricket is one big aim but the other is to increase participation hence the link up between the new tournament and grass roots cricket. There is also a desire to bring in new audiences, more families and women. 

Will England players take part?

Possibly not if it launches in 2018. But the ICC is working on a new future tours programme and a reduction in Test cricket is likely from 2020 giving the ECB a chance to schedule its new tournament without losing players to international cricket.

Why 2018 and not wait until 2020?

Because by starting it in 2018 it gives the competition two years to establish itself before going to market once again for a bigger TV deal in 2020 when all the ECB’s cricket will be up for grabs

Is it strange to have TWO T20 competitions going on over the summer?

 It will be confusing and this could be a messy compromise with the counties but without it there is no chance of it going through. Also the players not involved in the new tournament have to play T20. 

How - in practice - does it work? Who do players play for - are they still with their own counties?

A player auction is the most likely option. Four overseas players per team, English players to go in an auction which could mean Yorkshire players playing for London teams of the other way around