Cricket: Otago confirmed for Twenty20 Champions League

NZ Twenty20 champions Otago will take part in the $9.85 million Champions League competition in October. Photo / Getty Images

The Otago Volts cricket team will play on the world stage this year, in the inaugural multi-million dollar Champions League Twenty20 competition.

The tournament's organising committee announced overnight the Volts, winners of New Zealand's State Twenty20 championship, were in the 12-team competition, to be held in India from October 8 to 23.

The domestic champions of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago) and Sri Lanka (Wayamba) have also been included in the revised format, with a third Indian Premier League franchise also involved in an event that boasts a US$6 million ($9.85m) prize fund.
Both Indian Premier League finalists - Bangalore Royal Challengers and Deccan Chargers, as well as the Delhi Daredevils - will participate.

"We're very proud to represent our province in an international tournament like this," said Volts captain Craig Cumming.

"Our guys are getting a unique opportunity to play the best teams from around the world and it will certainly help each of them to develop their experience and skill."

Otago Volts coach Mike Hesson said players, management and supporters had been hopeful of receiving confirmation for a long time.

"To hear it is confirmed is hugely exciting," Hesson said.

"This will give the Otago Volts a chance to show their skills and shine on the world stage."

Otago Cricket chief executive Ross Dykes said confirmation was great news for cricket in the region.

"I am not sure any of us yet realise just how much this could mean to the growth of the game in Otago and Southland," said Dykes.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to raise the profile of Otago Cricket and its players.

"It is quite conceivable that our players can perform to a level that gets them world recognition - and a chance to step up to the Black Caps or an IPL contract."

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said it was great news that Otago would have the opportunity to compete with some of the best domestic sides from around the world.

"We're delighted that the tournament has been opened up to include the New Zealand Twenty20 competition winners," said Vaughan.

"The Otago side will gain tremendous value from this exposure to cricket at the highest level."

Black Cap Brendon McCullum and England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas would both be eligible to play for the Volts.

The tournament was postponed in December in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks.

- NZPA