Cricket: CD on standby for Champions League

England's unlikely participation in the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League has opened the door for Central Districts. Photo / Hawke's Bay Today

Central Districts are on the verge of a lucrative invitation to compete in the inaugural Twenty20 Champions League in India.

A decision was expected tonight on whether the New Zealand Twenty20 champions would join the leading domestic sides from India, South Africa, Australia and Pakistan at the tournament starting on September 29.

The possibility has arisen due to England's unlikely participation, leaving a place open to probably be filled by a team from New Zealand, West Indies or Sri Lanka.

Whoever gets the nod can expect to earn more than $1 million from participation fees and prizemoney.

A decision was likely at a meeting tonight of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

- NZPA