Hampshire field accusations of 'sportswashing' over T20 event

Hampshire have been accused of taking part in a "sportswashing vehicle," before their participation in this month's Global Super League in Guyana, a T20 tournament sponsored by the oil giant Exxon Mobil.

- Taha Hashim

Hampshire's participation in the GSL comes despite their venue's public commitment to playing a leading global role in environmental sustainability. The Utilita Bowl celebrated switching on more than 1,000 solar panels before a T20 between England and Australia in September. David Mann, chief executive of the Utilita Bowl, used the initiative to highlight "our commitment to being the greenest international cricket Venue".

The new five-team GSL tournament runs from 26 November to 6 December and, alongside the Australian state team Victoria, features the franchise sides Guyana Amazon Warriors, Lahore Qalandars and Rangpur Riders.

Exxon Mobil Guyana is its title sponsor, with the tournament web-site stating the event "has the full support of the Government of Guyana the government sees the GSL as a key driver for tourism and economic growth".