New Zealand all set for Twenty20

New Zealand will be the latest Test nation to launch its own Twenty20 tournament when it commences on Friday, January 13. The move was prompted by the success of the competitions in England and South Africa in attracting spectators, and the organisers are hopeful for the same in New Zealand. Australia too recently launched its own Twenty20 competition on January 6.

Martin Snedden, New Zealand Cricket's chief executive, said he was optimistic about the Major Association Twenty20 tournament. "The exciting, fresh nature of the games has been a big hit overseas and we were buoyed by the success of our first international match, against Australia, at Eden Park last summer, which was sold out. Crowds enjoy the fast paced high scoring matches and we hope to see good attendance on ground and solid viewership of televised matches."

The tournament will also be boosted by the participation of national players like Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum and Hamish Marshall. Cairns told the media: "There is a fair amount of excitement about the tournament from both Black Caps and domestic players. Some of the guys have played domestic Twenty20 cricket overseas and the others are keen to have a go. The format is improving player skills and we are now seeing more exciting one-day matches at international level as teams successfully chase scores of more than 300.There is not an over in this format where there is not a boundary, a wicket, or some exceptional fielding. If you blink you will miss the action and that's why I love the game."

The tournament kicks off with the Canterbury Wizards taking on the Otago Volts at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Click here for the full schedule.