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ACC and Big League USA sign strategic partnership

American College Cricket announced on August 29th that it had formed a "strategic partnership" with Big League USA which, among other things, will enable college cricketers to receive training overseas alongside international cricketers.

Speaking at Baisley Pond Park in Queens, New York, American College Cricket President Lloyd Jodah said that " the strategic partnership between ACC and Big League USA offers a complete range of components which will ensure that the tremendous rate of progress that ACC has made in the past 18 months in the development of Cricket in USA and Canadian Universities continue. Every College Cricketer that is a member of ACC can now not only dream big, but have a realistic expectation of getting support and resources to accomplish those dreams."

Salman Ahmed, CEO of Big League USA said: "We at Big League USA will fully support ACC in the further development of College Cricket in the United States. We will provide an International platform for College Cricketers to perform and develop. Beginning with the American College Cricket Regional Championships this Fall, a pool of talented players will be identified from which at least five will be sent to train abroad with International players in countries such as India, Australia, England, South Africa and Barbados.

Royals 2020 and Big League USA

According to the Big League USA's website, it plans to organize a Royals 2020 festival 'very soon' in USA featuring Rajasthan Royals, Sialkot Royals, Trinidad Royals, Hampshire Royals, Victoria Royals, "and T-20 champion teams from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and New Zealand."  

A source in India with knowledge of the matter affirmed Rajasthan Royals' awareness of Big League USA plans for the Royals 2020 festival in Florida but declined to discuss specifics.  

If the logistics can be ironed out and permissions obtained, USA might soon witness what Rajasthan Royals revealed at Lord's on February 8, 2010 when they announced the formation of a Twenty20 global cricket franchise - Royals 2020 - involving major cricket clubs from around the world. 

Elaborating on the benefits of the Royals franchise, the company said that member clubs can expect a commercial window on new markets, a commercial fee for the naming rights, and participation in the annual 'Royals Festivals'.  Big League USA's recent announcement regarding its support of college cricket in USA is also in line with the Royals release.  "For younger players, there will clearly be opportunities to play in overseas markets and further develop their games," the Royals release stated.

The website of the Royals global partnership, Royals 2020, provides additional pointers on the Royals 2020 festival.  According to a press release accessed via the website: "The Royals 2020 mission is to grow the fan base; grow the commercial platform for all; provide high class entertainment for the young and families in great grounds; provide opportunities for players to develop their talents; and to entertain fans around the world through great events." 

The release notes that the Royals 2020 will be governed by the regulations of ICC and the national governing body for cricket in the countries of all member teams.  

Big League USA claims the support of USA Cricket Association.  "USA Cricket Association has welcomed this (the Royals festival) idea and is in full support of this magnificent cricket festival matches," the Big League website noted.   "Big League USA along with USACA is in the process of working on dates for lining up exciting cricket events featuring domestic and international teams." 

When asked about the nature of USACA's partnership with Big League USA, a USACA source confirmed that the organization had been contacted by Big League USA and was in 'preliminary discussions' with them.