Benson & Hedges Cup
This article is about the defunct cricket tournament. For the defunct ice hockey tournament sponsored by Benson & Hedges, see Autumn Cup. Benson & Hedges Cup Countries England Administrator England & Wales Cricket Board Format Limited overs cricket First Edition 1972 Latest Edition 2002 Most successful Lancashire (4 titles) The Benson & Hedges Cup was a one-day cricket competition for first-class counties in England and Wales that was held from 1972 to 2002, one of cricket's longest sponsorship deals. It was the third major one-day competition established in England and Wales after the Sunday League and the Gillette Cup. Traditionally a 'big day out' for the finalist's supporters, it was the less prestigious of the two cups. It began as a 55 over a side game, but was later reduced to 50. The winning team in the first cup final in 1972, Leicestershire won £2,500, the losing finalists Yorkshire £1,000 and Chri...