T20 Blast: Edgbaston to host Blast Off double-header to launch 2023 competition
- Published
Hampshire won the 2022 T20 Blast in a thrilling last-ball finish against Lancashire Lightning at Edgbaston
Next summer's T20 Blast will be launched for the first time with a double-header at Edgbaston on 20 May.
The Blast Off will feature Birmingham Bears against Yorkshire Vikings, while Derbyshire Falcons will face 2022 runners-up Lancashire Lightning.
Organisers hope several members of England's T20 World Cup-winning side will be involved on the day.
"Blast Off is a great way to get the Vitality Blast started," said Bears and England all-rounder Moeen Ali.
"There is nothing quite like the buzz of Edgbaston when it is packed full of fans. I know that the players feed off that and everyone will want to put on a show."
The full domestic fixture list for 2023 will be announced on 30 November.
But the Blast Off, featuring four North Group sides, will be the only T20 fixtures on the opening day of the competition, which was won by Hampshire this summer.
"We want to go one better than last year and the opportunity to get back to Edgbaston to get the season started is exciting," said Lancashire and England batter Phil Salt.
"I thrive on playing in front of those big crowds at Edgbaston and hopefully we get Lancashire off to a flying start."
Edgbaston has been the home of T20 Blast Finals Day since 2013, having previously staged it in 2004, 2007, 2009 and 2011.