Stats
23-06-2006, 08:32 AM
Taken from BBC Sport website
The England and Wales Cricket Board has bowed to pressure from senior figures in the game to add an extra knockout round to the 50-over competition.
Many complained to BBC Sport that the format led to meaningless matches for teams that had no hope of reaching the one-off final from the two groups.
As a result, the competition will include a semi-final in 2007.
ECB deputy chief executive Hugh Morris said: "There were extremely strong cricketing reasons for doing this."
The competition will also need a new sponsor in 2007, with C&G's contract expiring at the end of this season.
Morris said: "The introduction of semi-finals will increase the intensity of the competition during the popular regional group stages. This move will benefit players and spectators alike."
This year's C&G Trophy Final will take place at Lord's on Saturday August 26. Sussex are through to face Durham or Lancashire.
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So big whoop out to the ECB for adding an extra game, still doesnt wipe out the fact there will still be a load of meaningless games played http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Bring back the knockout comp!!
The England and Wales Cricket Board has bowed to pressure from senior figures in the game to add an extra knockout round to the 50-over competition.
Many complained to BBC Sport that the format led to meaningless matches for teams that had no hope of reaching the one-off final from the two groups.
As a result, the competition will include a semi-final in 2007.
ECB deputy chief executive Hugh Morris said: "There were extremely strong cricketing reasons for doing this."
The competition will also need a new sponsor in 2007, with C&G's contract expiring at the end of this season.
Morris said: "The introduction of semi-finals will increase the intensity of the competition during the popular regional group stages. This move will benefit players and spectators alike."
This year's C&G Trophy Final will take place at Lord's on Saturday August 26. Sussex are through to face Durham or Lancashire.
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So big whoop out to the ECB for adding an extra game, still doesnt wipe out the fact there will still be a load of meaningless games played http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif
Bring back the knockout comp!!