SOMERSET'S Cooper Associates County Ground will not host any matches for at least the first five years of the new English domestic T20 tournament, which begins in 2020.

The allocation of all High Profile Matches for the period 2020-2024, together with the names of the new T20 Host Venues, have been announced today (Thursday) by the ECB.

The T20 franchises will be based in the following locations:

  • The Kia Oval, Surrey
  • Lord's, Middlesex
  • Ageas Bowl, Hampshire
  • Emerald Headingley, Yorkshire
  • Trent Bridge, Nottinghamshire
  • Swalec Stadium, Glamorgan
  • Old Trafford, Lancashire
  • Edgbaston, Warwickshire

The decision means any Westcountry-based supporters who wish to actively follow the new competition will find their nearest ground in Cardiff.

Taunton will also not host any England internationals between now and 2024, though three 2019 World Cup matches will be held at the County Ground.

Somerset County Gazette:

SCHEDULE: The international and T20 allocations from 2020-2024

In another notable change to the domestic schedule, the One-Day Cup final will be held at Trent Bridge from 2020 onwards rather than its current home of Lord's.

Ian Lovett, chair of the Host Venue Panel and Deputy Chairman of ECB, said: “Today’s discussion and decision followed a rigorous, comprehensive and detailed process by the independent Host Venue Panel, in which they assessed a range of high quality submissions and presentations.

“With a five-year period of international and domestic cricket in prospect, as well as our New Competition being developed, there was very strong interest in hosting these events and the overall standard of submissions was excellent.

“From the start of the process we had clear objectives, set a strong methodology and made best use of all relevant data and insight. To help to assess the submissions a balanced scorecard was used, with key aspects up-weighted to meet the needs of each specific set of matches."