Domestic Twenty20 gets own window

New Zealand's domestic Twenty20 tournament will be staged in a two-week block after the 2007-08 fixture list was released on Thursday. The change has been made to recognise the increased popularity of the format and to ensure the State Shield can be completed without significant interruptions.

Justin Vaughan, the New Zealand Cricket chief executive, said he was excited by the potential of Twenty20. "We experienced significant growth in this form of cricket last year and are expecting big things for the upcoming season," he said.

"Twenty20 has exploded internationally and I am sure this season will be the biggest ever in New Zealand. The scheduling also recognises the importance of the State Shield and allows the competition to play to its conclusion with minimal interruption." The opening round of the State Championship will be in November.

A women's Twenty20 tournament has been added and matches will be played the day before each State League round. "The inclusion is important as the format is being increasingly adopted at international level," Vaughan said. "We have seen the White Ferns take on Australia in the last two Rose Bowl series and they are due to play England in three Twenty20 internationals later this month."