[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

Yeah, I think those are definitely valid concerns. With regards to fan finances, I'm pretty sure that for the first season or two they'd offer plenty of deals and discounts to get bums on seats; it'd be marketed as a cheaper alternative to football. However, it's worth noting that this is an obstacle that neither India or Australia has to contend with: there are no other popular sports being played in those countries when the T20 season is underway (Aussie Rules runs from March to September). Football still very much rules the roost here, even though many of us are losing patience with it.

[Ska'dForLife-WBA]

The historian Tom Holland has expanded on his proposal for the eight new T20 clubs to be named after the old Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, presented here complete with Game of Thrones style branding. I still reckon he's a bit touched if he thinks people are going to emotionally attach themselves to "Rheged", "Mercia" and "the Five Boroughs" in the 21st century, but at least it's an alternative to "Leeds", "Manchester" and "Birmingham"...




Wessex Wyverns

Based at the Rose Bowl, Southampton

Motto: "They split the shield-wall, they hew battle shields."


East Anglia Wolves

Based at Lord's, London

Motto: "It's a good season when the wolf gives food to the raven."


Mercia Seahorses

Based at Edgbaston, Birmingham

Motto: "Great evils are best met with courage."


Five Boroughs Vikings

Based at Trent Bridge, Nottingham

Motto: "Think of glory, show great courage, keep watch against the foe."


Northumbria Eagles

Based at Headingley, Leeds

Motto: "Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will."


Rheged Ravens

Based at Old Trafford, Manchester

Motto: "Of the bravest stock, you are the best that is, that has been and will be."


Welsh Dragons

Based at the SWALEC Stadium, Cardiff

Motto: "Brave attacking, and Saxons will fall as food for wild beasts."

[Lord Snooty]

Haha