Lancashire avoid clash of sports

Lancashire fans could have been torn between a Twenty20 match, or watching a televised England World Cup quarter-final

Lancashire have taken the decision to reschedule their home Friends Provident t20 fixture against Worcestershire to avoid a potential clash with England’s 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The Twenty20 match at Old Trafford was originally set for Friday July 2 at 5.30pm BST, but instead has been rescheduled for Monday July 5 at the same time and venue.

If England’s football team win Group C and then their second round match, they will play a quarter-final at Johannesburg at 6.30pm BST, which would have directly clashed with Lancashire’s original fixture.

Lancashire chief executive Jim Cumbes said: “The FIFA World Cup happens only once every four years and England matches historically break television viewing records.

“There is a very good chance that England will be playing a quarter-final on Friday 2nd and the decision was made to move our fixture to allow members and supporters to enjoy both occasions.

“2010 is an exciting year for domestic cricket and the new Friends Provident t20 competition is at the centre of this new structure.

“So the decision to move this fixture was wholeheartedly supported by Worcestershire County Cricket Club and we thank them for their cooperation and understanding.”