Have been having a look around this place for the last few days, a friend of mine recommened it to me, not bad. I like the idea that peoople can post even without registering. But I'm wondering why on earth is this forum called World A Team ?

Good question.. foxed me at first.. and I have been involved with this site (and in communication with Mike, who set it up) pretty much from the start. A lot becomes clearer when you have read http://www.world-a-team.com/showthread.php?t=1072

Hi Mike, a few months ago, I was a regular poster on the BBC England cricket forum. During that time many England supporters expressed their dissatisfaction when the England A side was replaced with the England Academy setup. So, I thought a tournament might be a good way to shift attention back to the A-team concept. The forum was setup with multiple forums to attract cricket fans of different teams who could discuss their senior team and also the up and coming players. If the tournament was to be staged the members could select the players to compete. A few members of the England forum recently selected a possible side to compete in such a tournament. The selection procedure was done in a thread called England A-Team Qualifiers.

A press release will be sent out to some relevent media companies very shortly. The document also contains a link to the full tournament proposal if anyone wants to read it. Feedback is welcome.
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Press release:

World A Team Cricket is keen to gauge both cricket players and fans reaction to a proposed new series, featuring the A-teams of the ten Test nations.

The A-Team tournament would feature players under 30 who have played no more than five test matches. The seeding of teams in the first tournament will be determined by the ICC Test Championship rankings.

World A-Team founder, Michael Dengler, says "I decided to create the tournament in direct response to cricket fans from around the world who are keen to see the fringe/key A-team players competing against each other before their possible Test selection. So far the fans have not had that opportunity and it is to showcase that emerging talent as well as to provide some exciting matches that World A-Team was created."

"Cricket fans dislike meaningless matches played between ill-matched teams," continued Michael, "the World A-Team Tournament has been designed to minimise such matches, pitching teams of similar calibre against each other over a two day format that allow fans to see players on the edge of selection showcasing the skills required for the longer format of the game." Michael believes that this set up will produce exciting matches, attracting the all-important TV and media interest as well as providing two days great cricket for fans.

As to the cricketing governing bodies, the ICC has considered the merits of the proposed A-Team tournament and has given permission for it to be presented to cricket boards. The tournament will only go ahead if one of the cricket boards agrees to host it.

"World A-Team is a unique proposal for the cricket world, " states Mike, if it comes to fruition it will provide some much needed variety to the cricket calendar and create an important intermediate level between the first-class domestic competition and Test level for the players."

To learn more about the proposed World A Team Tournament please visit World A-Team Cricket Forum at World A-Team Cricket Tournament Proposal

Further press information from Robert Daines www.autopr.co.uk 07952 270378

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