Dimi Excited By T20 Vision
Mascarenhas - pleased with T20 progress.
England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas is pleased to see the country embracing the changing world of Twenty20 cricket.
The England and Wales Cricket Board last weekend confirmed two county sides would take part in a new Champions League competition alongside teams from India, Australia and South Africa from this autumn.
The governing body are also expected to announce final details of their lucrative new link-up with Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford - the backer of Caribbean Twenty20 cricket - tomorrow.
ECB officials have been discussing proposals to stage a series of winner-takes-all £10million matches between England and a Stanford 'all-star' side, as well as a four-team international tournament with the American.
The Twenty20 boom is changing the shape of cricket and Mascarenhas, the only England player to play in the newly-formed Indian Premier League this year, is right behind it.
"Of course it is good for game," the Hampshire captain said. "The boys all love playing cricket and to play for a bit of money as well, all the better.
"Our boys and the lads around the country will be working real hard to get into that finals day and the top two places to get into that Champions League.
"That is very exciting for everyone involved. It is a huge carrot to be able to play for.
"It is a lot of money involved and playing against teams from other countries it will be great fun as well."
Mascarenhas made only one IPL appearance for the Rajasthan Royals due to the limitations of the competition's four foreign players rule but would recommend the experience to anyone.
"I had a great time," the 30-year-old added. "I was in a good set-up, a good team. We had a good time and played good cricket.
"The cricket was tough, the training was always tough and intense. It was a great experience for me and if one or two want to have a go, I will tell them the same thing.
"It was hugely intense. From my experience, it was like playing in a one-day international. It was hard work and very enjoyable at the same time."
One of the major problems for the game's rulers is how to fit the demand for more Twenty20 matches into an already-crowded calendar.
There are fears it could have a negative effect on other forms of the game but Mascarenhas is not unduly concerned.
He said: "They just need to be sensible in how much of it they do. If they are sensible, they can all run side by side and it can be good for everybody."