NEW DELHI: IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals is all set to go global. Plans to create this first global sport alliance were revealed at Lord's cricket ground in London with Rajasthan Royals leading the innovation as they joined forces with Hampshire, Cape Cobras and Trinidad along with a yet-to-be-confirmed Australia state team to form a worldwide Twenty20 brand.

Shane Warne, captain of the Rajasthan Royals and a former captain of Hampshire, was in London to announce the plans alongside Manoj Badale, the London-based businessman who part-owns the IPL franchise, and celebrity co-owner Shilpa Shetty.

The four other domestic teams involved in the tie-up will now play under the Royals name in their respective Twenty20 tournaments and the aim is to grow the brand around the world to give them almost year-round coverage. For the players it could create the chance to ply their trade in the other domestic competitions and opens up the option of talent-sharing between sides.

The concept is still in the planning stage and the finer details are yet to be firmed up as well as confirmation of the Australian side that will take part. It is believed that Victoria, another of Warne's former teams, will complete the line-up.