LANCASHIRE'S Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy quarter final tie will be played at Blackpool -- because of pop star Robbie Williams!

Old Trafford is not available for the game next Wednesday, July 25, due to Williams playing three sell-out concerts at the ground during the week.

"It's unfortunate, but it gives us a chance to take the game to the Fylde coast," said Lancashire's chief executive Jim Cumbes who is hoping for a 5,000 full house at Stanley Park. It will be the second C&G game out of three that Lancashire have brought to Blackpool this season. The first was the fourth-round tie in which Warwickshire Cricket Board forfeited home advantage because they did not have suitable facilities.

Lancashire booked their place in the last eight of the competition with a seven-wicket victory over Sussex last Thursday.