Stanford, a Texas billionaire, held talks with David Collier, the chief executive of the ECB, earlier this week when he offered $20 million for a match between England and a West Indies all-star team to coincide with Independence Day in Antigua on November 1. If the match takes place, it will be the most expensive cricket match ever played.

That offer, said a report in The Times, could be spread over five years.

"I talked to David about the first game and then how we could collaborate in the future," Sir Allen said. "I said it could be an annual event. Maybe we could come to Lord's in 2009 and then alternate. I would be happy to make a five-year commitment."

When asked whether it meant a US$100 million commitment, Sir Allen said: "I would be willing to do it. The money is real and I think we will get a game."

The offer was revealed in the English media a day after the start of the much hyped Indian Premier League, to which Sir Allen is being seen as a counter weight in some quarters. (Cricinfo)