Shipperd rides doubts over Champions League dates

Victoria's coach Greg Shipperd has given his blessing for the inaugural Champions Twenty20 League to be held in the middle of Australia's domestic season, even if it means rescheduling some of the state's Sheffield Shield fixtures. The ICC has requested the boards from Australia, South Africa and India reconsider the dates of the $6 million tournament due to its starting on September 29, the day after the Champions Trophy final.

Twenty20's emergence has changed many of cricket's scheduling rules and instead of being concerned by the possible changes, Shipperd said his side, which has won all three of Australia's interstate Twenty20 titles, would be happy to play anytime - as long as the tournament happened. "It's no big deal, we'll adapt to whatever is decided," he said. "It's in the interests of all cricket and we'll play where we're given a space."

The Australian, South African and Indian boards are exploring the available options, which include a slight amendment to the original dates, staging the event between December 2 and 11, or postponing it until next year. If it is held in December the competition would disrupt both Victoria and Western Australia's Sheffield Shield and FR Cup seasons.

Victoria would have to move three matches in order to go to India while Western Australia have a four-day game ending on December 1, a one-day contest on the 12th and another first-class fixture starting on the 14th. "If it happened in December then games being shifted is a possibility," Shipperd said. "We're flexible, as long as it goes ahead. If it means a Pura Cup game is brought forward, opening a block of six or seven days, then bring it on."

However, the prospect of waiting another summer for the tournament does not excite Shipperd. "It seems pointless to play it after the season," he said. "There would have been another competition and we've been hoping this would come off for three years."

Due to the event's domestic status it does not fall directly under the ICC's scope, but the global body does not want the Champions Trophy - the 50-over mini-World Cup due to be held in Pakistan - to be overshadowed. State and provincial teams are such small entities in a battle including the ICC, the Indian board and the Champions Trophy broadcasters ESPN that they have little choice but to accept any alterations, especially as they consider the potential riches from a successful showing. Victoria earned A$32,000 for their Twenty20 victory in 2007-08, an amount which could be easily multiplied by 100 if they succeed in India.

Despite the radical changes being suggested for the Sheffield Shield, a competition which has been previously interrupted only by war, there are indications Cricket Australia would agree to release the teams. South Africa's Dolphins and Titans have similar scheduling concerns over a domestic one-day tournament while three international series involving Australia, India, England and South Africa finish on December 2. The ICC has asked the boards to report back with their recommendations in the next week.