The Twenty20 cup is a new addition to the cricketing calendar, replacing the Benson & Hedges Cup.

There will be a two-week period of group matches between the 18 counties who have been split into the following groups;


North

Durham
Lancashire
Yorkshire
Derbyshire
Nottinghamshire
Leicestershire

Mid/Wales/West

Northamptonshire
Warwickshire
Worcestershire
Glamorgan
Gloucestershire
Somerset

South

Essex
Middlesex
Surrey
Kent
Hampshire
Sussex

New for 2005 each County will play 4 home matches, as well as each of the counties in the zone away.

The top teams from each group plus the best second-placed team will progress though to finals day on Saturday 30th July at The Brit Oval. On this day there will be both semi-finals and the final.

Each match promises non-stop big-hitting entertainment for 20 overs per side, lasting approximately 3 hours. An ideal night out for work colleagues, families or friends.