More Twenty20 cricket for New Zealand

An extended State Twenty20 competition is the outstanding feature of the men’s 2008/09 season released today by New Zealand Cricket.

The men's State Twenty20 competition expands from six rounds and a final last season, to eight rounds and a final for 2008/9.

"After a stellar beginning, Twenty20 cricket has moved to a new level with the success of last year's World Cup Twenty20 tournament and the inaugural IPL competition from India earlier this year," said NZC CEO Justin Vaughan.

"Twenty20 cricket offers high octane entertainment in a condensed three hour window, and is bringing in record crowds both to live games and televised matches.

"It simply makes sense for NZC and our Major Associations to expand that offering in this year's schedule," he said.

The State Championship opens the summer in November, with the State Shield taking its regular mid-summer spot in December and January. The expanded State Twenty20 competition will be contested during a dedicated four week window in February.

“The State Summer of Cricket is integral to summer in New Zealand and a major showcase for all forms of the game,” says Vaughan.

“Our domestic game allows our current emerging players to challenge for places in our elite teams, and inspire the players of the future.”

The schedule for the women’s domestic season was also announced for the two elite domestic competitions for women in 2008/9.

“This is a crucial season for women’s cricket, culminating in the ICC Women’s World Cup in Australia and the ICC World Twenty20 in England,” said Vaughan.

“The State Summer of Cricket gives New Zealand’s elite women cricketers the ideal preparation for these international tournaments, and gives a number of players the opportunity to earn a place in the White Ferns.”