Sussex chief executive Gus Mackay has admitted that the further expansion of Twenty20 cricket is inevitable.

And he insisted that the county would be interested in hosting matches at Hove if, as is being suggested, a franchise-style T20 competition was launched in England.

The million-dollar Indian Premier League is due to launch later this month and a tournament in England run along similar grounds, with eight franchise teams made up of the world's best players, could start as early as 2010.

Speaking at last night's AGM, Mackay said: "We have already expanded the domestic T20 again this season so every county plays five home games and we can maximise revenue.

"But the expansion of world T20, with competitions like the Indian Premier League, are going to have a knock-on effect here as well.

"I think it's inevitable that the domestic T20 will expand again although next time we should really think about what we are doing rather than just reacting to events.

"But who knows, we might be able to field three overseas players instead of just one soon which is one idea being considered. If that's the case then what a fantastic draw card that would be for our local fans.

"And if there are franchise-style competitions why can't the South East team be based at Hove? We would certainly be pitching for it."

Mackay says the county's financial position has improved even though they posted an operating loss of £302,000 compared to £356,000 in 2007.

The county posted a surplus of £205,000 thanks to the interest received from the £12.4million Spen Cama legacy and the balance sheet might have been healthier had Sussex not lost a staggering £165,000 on two pop concerts last July.

On the positive side, income from membership and match income has risen to £943,000 - a rise of 30 per cent - in the last three years.

Mackay said: "The concerts were a failure of the club's board and will not happen again. We need events like that to balance the books but in future they must be risk-free.

"Overall, though, the financial position is positive going forward.

"Match income, membership and commercial income has all gone up and revenue from catering has risen by nearly £300,000."

Mackay also confirmed that redevelopment of the County Ground would start in 2009. It had been put on hold when initial costs for the project at the sea end were too expensive and because of the uncertainty of the economic climate.

Former Albion chairman Bryan Bedson was elected president of the club last night.

On the pitch, Sussex defeated Glamorgan by 17 runs in their first pre-season friendly at Hove.

Matt Prior made 50 - the first half-century of pre-season by a Sussex player - and Mike Yardy 44 as Sussex scored 231 from their 50 overs.

Glamorgan were bowled out for 214 in reply despite 71 from Tom Maynard, the son of Glamorgan coach Matthew. Fast bowler Rageb Aga took three wickets.

The teams play another 50 overs game at Hove today (11am).

Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris arrives today but Sussex will not know until the day before if they can play him in the four-day friendly against MCC at Lord's next Thursday.

Harris, who is eligible because he has an English passport, hopes to have his registration ratified by the ECB's management board next Wednesday.