Cricket Australia launch new-look Futures League
Some fresh innovations to the playing conditions are the feature of the new-look Futures League competition announced by Cricket Australia today.
The Futures League and Futures League Twenty20 will replace the competition formerly known as the CA Cup from the 2009-10 season onwards.
The recommendation to revitalise the second tier competition comes via a High Performance Pathway Review and is aimed at increasing opportunities for Rookie and emerging players in a competitive format.
The leagues are also positioned to create additional benefits to Australian cricket, enhancing the profiles of some of Australia's best young talent and increasing cricket's appeal as the ?sport of choice' for talented young athletes.
Cricket Australia General Manager Cricket Michael Brown said it is an exciting new outlook on the competition and he is looking forward to seeing how players embrace the opportunity.
"Australia has arguably the strongest interstate cricket competition in the world and the Futures League adds further strength to our pathway and the development opportunities for our emerging cricketers," Mr Brown said.
"The Futures League isn't just about the players either, as we look to develop coaching staff, umpires and further innovations that could be used at higher levels.
"We have positioned the Futures League Twenty20 into the schedule ahead of the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash so we get a good look at the talent coming through with the hope that some players may go on to play in the Big Bash, Champions League Twenty20 and perhaps even the IPL.
"We have high hopes that these competitions, with time, will gather national and international credibility as a breeding ground for talented cricketers."
Each team will be allowed just three players over the age of 23 in their starting line-up to provide increased opportunities for emerging players, and with eight points on offer for an outright result the competition aims to reward positive and attacking cricket.
The three-day competition will follow the traditional two innings per team model, however each side will be allowed a maximum 144 overs only and will be restricted to 96 overs in the first innings to encourage aggressive declarations and innovative tactics.
Teams will not be allowed to take a second new ball in any innings, encouraging captains to look to spinners - who will gather bonus points for their team with every wicket taken - and reverse swing specialists.
The Futures League gets underway on Tuesday and a full season schedule is attached. The Futures League Twenty20 will be played in Melbourne from 14-17 December.
Summary of Futures League Playing Conditions
- Three ?over-age' players permitted per team
- Two innings per team with 144 overs per team maximum (restricted to 96 over limit in first innings) across three days.
- Overs not used in first innings by each team are carried over to second innings
- No second new ball
- Bonus points for spin wickets (0.10 points per wicket)
- Increased reward for outright result (Eight points for an outright result, as opposed to six last year)
- Use of Test level cricket balls - Dukes (England), SG (India), Kookaburra (Australia)
