THE Twenty20 revolution in national cricket should be used to inspire a rebirth for the local league cricket.
There is no doubting that the new limited overs format has gripped a new audience on the county scene this summer and I feel the Twenty20 idea has really taken off this time round.
Last season's inaugural competition attracted big crowds, but there has been a leap forward this year with the greatest example being a full house at Lord's for Middlesex's group match with Surrey.
And with Lancashire having reached the Twenty20 semi-finals and finals day at Edgbaston on August 7, this could be the perfect chance to tap into the new interest in the game.
Last season people had their reservations, but it has been proved this summer that it is not only a proper contest but also thoroughly watchable.
The crowds have been pouring into county grounds all round the country and you can be sure that the final in Birmingham will be a very popular event.
And I think it is something that the local league cricket scene could take on board.
Some leagues have been looking at playing some games in this format.
Already the Northern Premier League have adopted such a competition, and the Lancashire League's valley sides - Rawtenstall, Ramsbottom, Haslingden and Bacup - have their own floodlit tournament, but why not open up the format.
If the four leagues - Lancashire League, Northern Premier, Ribblesdale and Central Lancashire - all had their own competitions with the top two going through to a finals tournament I think that would give all the competitions an increased profile.
And it could also be the perfect way to attract a major sponsor or two to the competitions.
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