THE women’s regional domestic T20 competition which kicks off this weekend has been named the Charlotte Edwards Cup.

It sees eight women’s regional teams competing for the trophy, which has been named after the former England captain who played in the first-ever T20 international, against New Zealand at Hove in 2004, and remains her country’s leading run scorer in the format.

England legend Edwards is now the head coach of Southern Vipers, who are set to take part in the competition and play some of their fixtures at the Ageas Bowl.

Edwards said: “It’s a huge honour to have my name attached to the competition.

“The regional players who’ll take part in the competition are at the beginning of such an exciting journey, and the pathway has progressed and developed so far since I was in their position.

“I hope, like we saw with the Rachael Heyhoe Flint (Trophy), that players from across the eight teams can continue to impress at regional level and push hard for international selection.

“The new domestic set-up is a real game-changer for women’s cricket in this country and I’m really proud to be a part of it.”

Edwards will also coach Ageas Bowl outfit Southern Brave in the women’s version of The Hundred next month.

Central Sparks will be Southern Vipers’ opponents in the Charlotte Edwards Cup at Edgbaston on Saturday.