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Last September, the ECB confirmed a 40 over competition for the 2010 season, later named as the Clydesdale Bank 40 or CB40 and in addition to the 18 First-Class Counties, Scotland, an ECB Recreational X1 and The Netherlands were invited to take part. A draw was made – random for the First-Class Counties – creating three pools of seven teams, playing each other home and away, 12 games per team in all.
With regard to the ‘Recreational X1’ it was welcomed by ECB as a good idea that this Team should embrace the whole of the Recreational game. The name ‘Unicorns’ was eventually agreed upon as a suitable name for this side.
The Minor Counties were given the responsibility for running this Team. Former Warwickshire batsman, Phil Oliver, was appointed as Manager / Coach with Min Patel and Mark Alleyne as co-selectors. The ex- Somerset all-rounder, Keith Parsons accepted an invitation to Captain the side.
The ECB invited nominations from Premier League clubs, Minor Counties, MCC Universities, MCC YC and indeed individuals via their website. There was a huge response; Regional Representatives met to discuss the nominees and make their recommendations to the selectors. This resulted in a group of some 40-odd players being invite to a series of Trials and Training Weekends at the Edgbaston Indoor Centre. Following this, a squad was named for the initial round of CB40 matches in May.
Some will have seen this venture as the cricketing equivalent of the X- Factor, but the rationale for the Unicorns will be to field sides with a sensible balance of youth and experience, on the one hand, providing a shop window to young players aspiring to First-Class cricket, whilst giving them the support and confidence necessary to compete at this level.
Gordon Child : Unicorns Team Administrator