New Delhi, Feb. 8: Indian Premier League team Rajasthan Royals on Monday revealed the first global franchise in T20 cricket at Lord’s in London.

Under the banner of the Royals2020, Rajasthan Royals along with England’s Hampshire County Cricket Club, South Africa’s Cape Cobras, Trinidad and Tobago and an Australian domestic cricket team will join forces to create the world’s first global T20 cricket brand, Royals chairman Manoj Badale, chief executive Sean Morris, and captain and coach Shane Warne announced on Monday.

The Royals strategy is to have a competitive team in each of the main cricketing markets around the world. The franchise will also hold annual Royals Festivals and will be able to share talent and participate in a central revenue pool.

The Hampshire Hawks will drop Hawks from its name with immediate effect in favour of the new Royals. T&T will sign a deal on the issue in coming weeks and discussions in Australia are in the final stages. Although no details were revealed, the Australian side involved in negotiations are said to be Victoria.

All the teams will play under the Royals name and will have the same playing kit and colours to create a unified branding. The first Royals 2020 event could be held in July during a break in the English country cricket season. Matches could also be organised in either Australia or South Africa during the Christmas holidays in December.

“I am delighted to be part of this new innovation, and I am excited by what we can achieve, given what we have already achieved. Yet again, the Royals are leading the way. It is bonus that clubs with which I have such deep affection are so involved,” Warne said. “I’m so excited by this. It would be nice to be 20 years younger,” he added.

Warne, who is happy at the prospect of playing the third season of the IPL back in India, said he had no issues about security despite the threat by the Shiv Sena.

“I’ve got no security issues whatsoever,” Warne said when asked about security for Australian cricketers participating in the third season of the IPL.

“As far as the IPL is concerned, I have absolutely no concerns whatsoever. I’m sure the other Australian players will be looking forward to it too.”