Wisden.com is delighted to launch The Cricket Draft, powered by Wisden, an all-new, ground-breaking fantasy game to run alongside the Vitality Blast, in conjunction with the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA).

The Cricket Draft, powered by Wisden, is a fantasy game with a twist. While other games focus on picking an XI, in the Cricket Draft, squad management is key. Your squad size is unlimited, with a budget of £1.5million the only restriction. Whether you choose to pack your picks with expensive superstars, or punt for a slew of budget bargains is up to you.

There is also the capacity to create public and private leagues, and when you sign up, you will automatically be entered into leagues for the county you support and the club you play for.

The game is free to enter, with weekly and overall prizes provided by New Balance and Wisden.

“Wisden is delighted to be partnering with The Cricket Draft to launch a world-leading fantasy game, giving English domestic cricket the interactive companion it deserves,” said Ian Sykes, managing director of Cricket Properties. “We believe there has never been a more exciting time to be a county cricket fan, with the huge advances made in the quality and accessibility of live-streaming meaning the game has never been easier to follow. If Wisden can play a small part in promoting one of the world’s best white-ball competitions, we’ll be proud.”

Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack editor Lawrence Booth said: “If cricket really is played in the mind, here’s a great chance to test out your credentials.”

John Welch, director and co-founder of The Cricket Draft, added: “I don’t think there’s another brand out there quite like Wisden. Having been a lifelong cricket fan, to work with a brand so synonymous with the game is an absolute privilege. Wisden has been tremendously supportive so we’re delighted to partner with them and really excited about what the partnership can bring. We are also delighted to be partnering with the PCA and supporting such an amazing charity in the PCA Trust.”

Daryl Mitchell, Worcestershire batsman and director of cricket operations at the PCA, said: “Personally, I’m a big fantasy football player and it’s something cricket’s been lacking in recent years. So having a look at the Cricket Draft and the way it’s set up, it’s got that feel about it and I’m quite excited to see how it goes.

“I’m sure that the players will be following how it goes and seeing who’s scoring what points. Having spoken to John Welch at length over the last six months, it’s something that the PCA were happy to get involved in and to partner with The Cricket Draft. It looks a great concept and the game itself is fantastic and promotes players and their great performances.”

The Cricket Draft, powered by Wisden, is available to play here.