Himley host Black Country Floodlit T20 cricket competition

The cricket stars will be out at night when Himley stage the Black Country Floodlit T20 competition next week.

The hosts take on Brewood, Stourbridge and Wolverhampton in the week-long event starting on Monday night.

Indian Premier League winner Rajat Bhatia will figure in the Himley line-up as they chase the £1,000 first prize.

The competition, sponsored by local companies Banks's, Lensons, Horizon, Soundjunkies and Arcgen Hilta, is now in its third year and has proved a huge hit with both players and spectators.

Organiser Greg Wright is hoping for another successful week.

"The two previous competitions went down really well and attracted a lot of interest," said Wright.

"It's something different and a chance to attract people who perhaps wouldn't come and watch club cricket. Club cricketers don't get the chance to play under floodlights very often. It's a real buzz playing under lights and with the music pumping away."

Stourbridge and Brewood are making their debuts in the competition with Wolverhampton seeking to retain the trophy they won last year, but Himley will start as favourites with their squad boasting Indian all-rounder Rajat Bhatia, who has tasted success in T20 cricket's highest profile arena.

Bhatia was a member of the Kolkata Knight Riders team which beat the Chennai Super Kings in this year's IPL final.

"Both Stourbridge and Brewood are flying high in their respective divisions and Wolverhampton will be keen to retain the trophy, so it should be a really good competition,"?Wright added.

The four Birmingham League sides will battle it out on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for a place in Friday's final and a chance to scoop the £1,000 first prize.

There will also be an inter-league clash between the Staffs Clubs Championship and the Worcestershire County League on Thursday.

Spectators can earn themselves a free drink if they take a catch while there will be a nightly raffle for the 'best seat in the house' – a pitch-side sofa with waiter service.

The players can also land themselves a crate of beer if they hit one of the designated target areas around the ground.

"We have added a few extra gimmicks to add to the entertainment," added Wright.

Entry for spectators is free.

Monday: Himley v Wolves (5.30pm), Stourbridge v Brewood (7.40pm).

Tuesday: Himley v Stourbridge (5.30pm), Brewood v Wolves (7.40pm).

Wednesday: Wolves v Stourbridge (5.30pm), Brewood v Himley (7.40pm).

Thursday: Staffs Club Championship v Worcestershire County League (6.30pm).

Friday: Final (6.30pm).