London, Feb 8 : Rajasthan Royals, the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Monday joined forces with Hampshire, Cape Cobras, Trinidad and a yet-to-be-confirmed Australia state team for a global alliance here at Lord's.

Hampshire will now play as the Hampshire Royals in the Twenty20 Cup next season with Cape Cobras and Trinidad also set to agree to the Royals branding.

The partnership is called Royals2020 and will be a dynamic partnership of leading cricket clubs around the world, with the aim of creating the 'World's First Global Sporting Franchise'.

Shane Warne, captain and head coach of Rajasthan Royals said: "I am delighted to be a 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."

The Royals2020 mission is to grow the fan base; grow the commercial platform for all; provide high class entertainment for the young and families in great grounds; provide opportunities for players to develop their talents; and to entertain fans around the world through great events.

Manoj Badale, Chairman, and co-founder of the Rajasthan Royals and Royals2020 said: "This is a major innovation in World Sport, and it represents a great opportunity for the clubs, but also an opportunity for fans and sponsors to be part of something totally unique and exciting. The response that we have had from fans overseas over the past two seasons has convinced us to expand our ambition."

Sean Morris, Chief Executive Officer of Rajasthan Royals, said that this association will help Royals to be part of a global brand and is a unique one across all sports.

Rod Bransgrove, Chairman of Hampshire said: "We consider the Rose Bowl to be the home of Twenty20 cricket in the UK, and this is a fabulous opportunity to extend the international reach of the game for us."(IANS)