A 50-over cup would be knockout, says Surrey chairman Richard Thompson

HUW TURBERVILL: The ECB has reintroduced the minor counties to the 2020 calendar, but Thompson does not think this year's friendly fixtures go far enough

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Domestic 50-over cricket would be boosted by the creation of an FA Cup-style knockout cup, according to Surrey chairman Richard Thompson.

He is concerned that the one-day game will suffer this summer in the shadow of The Hundred.

"Everything has to be on a league basis in this country," Thompson told The Cricketer.

"A knockout competition like the old NatWest Trophy would invigorate the 50-over game, however – a format we are world champions in.

"The round of friendlies this summer doesn't go far enough – we don't need friendlies – we need the National – formerly Minor – Counties in proper knockout competition.

"There's no easy answer to the scheduling of the domestic game in this country. I think probably it does have to be the 50-over game alongside The Hundred... the County Championship should not be devalued, it's still the blue-riband competition; but there's no reason why domestic players cannot play in both, like footballers do in the Premier League and Champions League.

"On July 17, Surrey's 50-over side is playing Buckinghamshire at High Wycombe on the same day that the Oval Invincibles host Welsh Fire in The Hundred. That's silly. They should be on different days and at least players like Jason Roy and Ben Stokes can play for their counties and would be guaranteed one or two matches, rather than none."

^{The Surrey chairman would like to see IPL matches come to The Oval}

Thompson, meanwhile, is delighted with the appointment of Ian Watmore as chairman of the ECB.

"I know Ian. He is a man to build bridges and be more collegiate. Surrey have been working better with the ECB in the last year or so and I'm confident that will continue now."

He is also keen to pursue his idea of attracting Indian Premier League matches to The Oval.

"London is the sports capital of the world – we have NFL, NBA and baseball matches here already.

"Three rounds of IPL games at venues like The Oval and Lord's would see the South Asian community come out in droves."

This story originally appeared in the April 2020 issue of The Cricketer, available in all good newsagents now. Click here to subscribe