THE England & Wales Cricket Board has announced its proposed approach to the new eight-team domestic competition from 2020 - which will see each side deliver 100 balls each.

As presented to the to chairmen and chief executives of the First-Class Counties and MCC today, this will see each team face 15 six-ball overs followed by an additional 10 deliveries.

The ECB aims to keep this competiton distinct from the current T20 Blast, and also to attract a wider audience to the game.

The competition is to be city-based, as approved by a vote among ECB members in April 2017, with matches at Headingley, Old Trafford, Trent Bridge, Edgbaston, Lord's, the Oval, the SSE Swalec and the Ageas Bowl.

Somerset's County Ground was not included in the list of host venues, with the nearest T20 franchise to be located in Cardiff.

This adds to the growing sense of unease about the future of the game among Somerset players - Peter Trego voicing his concern this week - and supporters.

The suspicion that a ‘big eight’ (those with Test match grounds) are being promoted above the rest appears to give an added importance to Somerset’s continuing status as a Division One side, as they begin their 2018 County Championship season against Worcestershire tomorrow.

These proposals also affect women's team Western Storm, who won the Kia Super League (KSL) last season, having played home matches in Taunton and Bristol.

From 2020, the plan is to have aligned competitions for both men's and women's teams, with games played in a five-week window in the middle of the summer.

If approved, it means the KSL would be disbanded, and Somerset would no longer host a women's cricket team.

Clare Connor, the director of women’s cricket at ECB, said: "[England women's] World Cup win at Lord’s last July showed what’s possible in terms of our sport reaching a new, younger and more diverse audience.

"Kia Super League has had a huge impact on participation, player development and the profile of our game.

"It was a big investment and a bold decision by the Board and paved the way for this next stage of growth.

"To build the women’s and men’s competitions and identities together, side by side, is a prospect that few sports ever have and will give us greater reach, scale and prominence.

"It will attract more women and girls to the game, ensure that cricket reaches and entertains more families and give our players an exciting stage upon which to display their talent.”