The T20 Blast is one of the oldest competitions played in the T20 format. It is contested between the various English cricket playing counties. The tournament is organized by the England and Wales Cricket Board. It has been previously recognised by the names Twnety20 Cup, Friends Provident T20, Friends Provident T20, Friends Life T20, Natwest T20 Blast. Currently it is known as the Vitality Blast.
The tournament is played between 18 teams. These teams are Derby, Durham, Essex, Gloucestershire, Glamorgan, Hampshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Lancashire, Middlesex, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Sussex, Surrey, Somerset, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Yorkshire.
The tournament has been played in two formats wherein the teams have either been divided into three divisions or two divisions. The latter is the preferred format currently as teams are georgeaphically divided into a North Division and South Division.
Teams in each division play a total of 14 matches. Seven of these matches are home matches whereas seven are played in the away format. Teams are awarded two points for a win and one point for a match with no results. No points are deducted for a lost match.
The top four teams in each division qualify for the playoffs. The four teams in each division contest the quarterfinals. The semis and final are held on the same day.
The first edition of the tournament was held in 2003. It has been held annually since then. Leicestershire and Hampshire are the most successful sides, winning the tournament three times each. Derbyshire, Durham, Gloucestershire, Glamorgan and Yorkshire are the only sides who have not won a title yet.
