HAMPSHIRE have today officially confirmed they will take part in the Caribbean T20 tournament this January.

The Royals have accepted an invitation from the West Indies Cricket Board to play in the competition, after being crowned 2010 Friends Provident t20 champions in a thrilling finals day at the Rose Bowl in August.

Hampshire's involvement in the Caribbean tournament - which will run from January 10 to 23 - was exclusively revealed in the Daily Echo last month.

The competition involves Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands and Combined Campuses & Colleges as well as the Royals and their Friends Provident t20 Final opponents, Somerset.

Hampshire chairman Rod Bransgrove said: “The Caribbean T20 tournament is a great opportunity for the Hampshire Royals squad to reconvene and play some high-quality cricket over the winter months.

"I’m sure it will be a very enjoyable fortnight for everyone involved.

"I would like to thank the West Indies Cricket Board for their kind invitation and we look forward to taking part."

The Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, in Antigua, will be the venue for the first round of matches, while the final stages will be held at the Kensington Oval, in Barbados.

The inaugural tournament took place in July and was won by Guyana.