Warne unveils Royals2020 franchise

Warne, Rajasthan chairman Manoj Badale and chief executive Sean Morris were all at the home of cricket to reveal that Hampshire, the Cape Cobras and Trinidad & Tobago have joined the winners of the inaugural IPL in forming the world's first global sporting franchise, called Royals 2020.

Negotiations are also at an advanced stage with Victoria, Warne's home club.

Badale said: "This is a major innovation in world sport and it represents a great opportunity for the clubs, but also an opportunity for fans and sponsors to be part of something totally unique and exciting. The response we have had from fans overseas over the past two seasons has convinced us to expand our ambition."

Former Hampshire batsman Morris said: "The opportunity to be part of a global brand is a unique one across all sports and will enable us to take advantage of the changing landscape in cricket, not least in the areas of marketing and talent development."

Warne said: "I'm delighted to be part of this innovation and am excited by what we can achieve, given what we have already achieved. Yet again, the Royals are leading the way. It is a bonus that club with which have such deep affection are so involved."

The Royals' 2020 teams will pool revenue, players and other resources and plan to stage a two-day tournament in England at the end of July.

Other key parts of the deal include clubs wearing the same strip as Rajasthan for Twenty20 matches and players being allowed to move to other Royals teams if domestic rules allow.

Counties have previously played matches outside the traditional domestic calendar but the plans for a "festival" of cricket at different venues around the world, starting with England in July, is expected to raise concerns about player burn-out.

Morris added: "We will be playing in the UK in July, at the Rose Bowl and hopefully at Lord's, and developing plans to play in South Africa and Australia over the Christmas period and then in 2011 in the Middle East and Jaipur."

The England and Wales Cricket Board has yet to receive full details about the proposals.

Royals2020 chairman Manoj Badale admits there is potential for conflict regarding the fixture build-up, given they expect financial benefits of the franchise to attract players to their clubs.

"Our regulating body is the Indian Premier League and there has been a lot of dialogue," said the co-founder of the Indian Premier League side.

"There is nothing that we're doing that doesn't sit within the existing domestic guidelines or rules and regulations.

"In terms of sharing players, that will be in line with the rules of the country."

Warne sees plenty of benefits for the players involved.

"It will give the players the opportunity to share their knowledge," said the former Australia spinner.