DAVID Folb has confirmed that Lashings will take part in a new Twenty20 competition in the autumn - with or without the backing of the ECB.

The self-styled "Champions League" of cricket is being put together by a group of Asian businessmen, currently involved with Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

It will take place in late September at venues yet to be confirmed, but Lashings expect to be pitted against county and provincial sides.

The ECB has patented the rights to Twenty20 cricket in Great Britain, so any games taking place on English soil would need their approval.

To date neither the ECB, nor any of the other international governing bodies have given the tournament their blessing, but Folb says he is unconcerned.

He said: "I think it’s going to happen regardless. I don’t see what they could do about it. We’re heavily involved, no question, and I’d expect us to be top seeds after our wins over Sussex and Leicestershire."

Lashings will also play Pakistan in the first club v country match later in the year.