Stanford Super Series

June 11. A moustachioed Texan lands in his toy helicopter on the Nursery Ground at Lord's and the critics' carping about English cricket selling its soul for a fistful of dollars begins in earnest Photograph: MAX NASH/Getty

What it's all about. Wonga. $20 worth, to be precise. Ian Botham, Viv Richards, Giles Clarke and David Collier are among the onlookers Photograph: Lefteris Pitarakis/AP

England captain Kevin Pietersen (left) poses with Stanford Superstars skipper Chris Gayle in front of some giant stumps at the Stanford Cricket Ground Photograph: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Sir Allen Stanford shares a joke with Emily Prior (centre), the wife of England wicketkeeper Matt, and makes sure Alice Hunt, girlfriend of Alastair Cook, is in on the gag too. The players, unfortunately, take a dim view of Wag-gate and the Texan tycoon is later forced to apologise Photograph: Public Domain

Kevin Pietersen looks back in anguish as the Middlesex wicketkeeper Ben Scott stumps him for five during England's 12-run win at the SCG (that's the Stanford Cricket Ground) Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA

Ian Bell is bowled by Jerome Taylor for seven as England's capitulation begins against the Stanford Superstars Photograph: Andres Leighton/AP

Kieron Pollard celebrates the wicket of Andrew Flintoff Photograph: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Sir Allen Stanford watches his Superstars bowlers dismantle England Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA

Chris Gayle hits out during his 45-ball 65 as the Stanford Superstars hammer England by 10 wickets to pocket the $1m-a-man prize Photograph: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Andrew Flintoff grimaces as the Stanford Superstars grin... Photograph: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Andre Fletcher (left) and his captain Chris Gayle punch gloves for the umpteenth time en route to making themselves very rich men Photograph: JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images

Sir Allen Stanford (right) and captain Chris Gayle of the Stanford Superstars celebrate with the match trophy after beating England at the Stanford Cricket Ground, Coolidge, Antigua. Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA Photograph: Gareth Copley/PA