'Why can’t we host the Indian T20 League?'- Richard Thompson, the new England Cricket Board chief opens up on his future ambitions

Richard Thompson: (Image Source: Twitter)

Richard Thompson, the new chief of the England Cricket Board, Richard Thompson has opened up on his ambition to bring the Indian T20 League to England. In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, the chief has said that he aims to bring the Indian T20 League to England. The claim seemed a bit off given India have always been skeptical of hosting the league in England.

The Indian T20 League has happened outside of India in the UAE and South Africa. However, the cricket board of England were always keen to host the Indian T20 League. The new chief, Richard Thompson, has now revealed the same and was happy to admit to his desire to bring the league to the country.

"We have seen the value when India and Pakistan are playing over here during World Cups and Champions Trophies. The NBA and NFL come here, so why can’t we host the Indian T20 League? The Indian T20 League has grown its window by another three weeks and I don’t think it cannibalises other competitions because players are playing in it anyway," Thompson said.

He further explained his aim to increase the total attendance in summer from two million to four million. The chief said that he would work on improving women's cricket as well.

I don’t think it will happen again: Richard Thompson

England have a tight schedule next summer dominated by The Hundred and the Ashes. He assured of scheduling the final Test before August next time barring 2023. In the next year, the final Test from the Ashes will be played in July end.

"It does feel odd that you are finishing an Ashes at the end of July when the summer has just got going. Those hard, dusty wickets in late August and September are part of the nuance of Test cricket. I don’t think it will happen again. It is a one-off year because of the 50-over World Cup . Future Ashes series will not finish at the beginning of August," Thompson further said to The Telegraph.

Richard Thompson further said that he would work hard to ensure all four major domestic tournaments of England would flourish.

"Accommodating four competitions is very hard, but we have to work hard to make sure all four can flourish, not with one at the expense of the other," he concluded.