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Stanford
Super Stars to face England in the Stanford 20/20 for US$20
million
Date Posted: June 12, 2008.
LORDS Cricket Ground, London, . – One of crickets’ greatest
rivalries was rekindled on June 11, 2008 at the launch of
the Stanford 20/20 for 20 where Sir Allen Stanford on behalf
of the Stanford 20/20 Board, the England and Wales Cricket
Board (ECB) and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB)
announced a new five match series for the richest team prize
for a single sporting match of US$20million.
Sir Allen Stanford and legends
are met by WICB president Dr Julian Hunte and ECB top brass
upon arrival at Lord's - Richard Warbuton photo
Commencing from November 1, 2008, the series of five annual
‘winner takes all matches’ will be hosted at the spectacular
Stanford Cricket Ground in Antigua, where the Stanford Super
Stars will defend the pride of the islands against England
under the lights and electric atmosphere synonymous with
Stanford 20/20.
According to Sir Allen Stanford, Chairman of Stanford
Financial Group, and founder of the Stanford 20/20
tournament, the confirmation of the series was another great
step forward for cricket in the Caribbean:
“I see the Stanford 20/20 for 20 as a fantastic opportunity
for current players in the Stanford 20/20 tournament to take
a giant leap into the spotlight and gain exposure to top
class opposition. The Stanford 20/20 for 20 will be a highly
anticipated event, not just because of the prize money, but
because of the traditional friendly rivalry that exists
between England and the West Indies.
I can’t think of a better example of the people who
personify this rivalry, will to win, and mutual respect more
than our guests today Sir Viv Richards and Sir Ian Botham.
Their values and fighting spirit are also everything that
Stanford 20/20 cricket represents and strives for”.
Today’s launch drew support from some of the icons of
English and West Indies cricket including Sir Ian Botham and
Stanford Legends Sir Vivian Richards, Sir Everton Weekes,
Desmond Haynes, Richie Richardson and Curtly Ambrose.
England coach Peter
Moores_England legend Ian Botham_West Indies legend Sir Viv
Richards and Nasser Hussain - Richard Warburton photo
Months of planning with the ECB and WICB have resulted in
the series being confirmed as ICC authorised matches. ECB
Chairman Giles Clarke explained that the new series
represented the boards’ commitment to supporting the
world-wide growth of 20/20 cricket and the opportunities for
its players:
“We are extremely delighted that Sir Allen has chosen to
work in partnership with the ECB. These matches will offer a
chance for not only international cricketers but cricket at
all levels - both here and in the Caribbean - to benefit.
It is a hugely exciting time for cricket and particularly
Twenty20 cricket”.
According to the WICB President Julian Hunte, the Stanford
20/20 for 20 will play an increasingly important role in
developing cricket in the region:
“Today is an important day for West Indies Cricket and our
emphasis on cricket development. The goal we have set
ourselves in our strategic plan is to regain our rightful
place at the pinnacle of world cricket by 2012. To achieve
this goal we need to have more people, especially our youth,
developing a passion for the game. The financial support,
and the partnership with Stanford 20/20 and the ECB are
pivotal to the future of West Indies cricket. Right now, we
are everybody’s second best team. In four years we will be
the best team in the world.”
The Stanford 20/20 for 20 is the latest sporting sponsorship
confirmed by Sir Allen, and is part of an overall investment
plan for developing the profile, future players, and renewed
success of West Indies cricket. The Stanford Financial Group
is also the title sponsor for such sporting events as the
Stanford US Open Polo Championship, the Stanford USPA Silver
Cup, the Stanford Antigua Sailing Week, the PGA Tour
Stanford St. Jude Championship and the Stanford
International Pro-Am. For more information on the Stanford
20/20 tournament log on to
www.stanford2020.com
