The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the introduction of new rules for upcoming T20 leagues, aimed at promoting the inclusion of local talent and fostering solidarity among participating boards. The decision was made during the annual meeting held in Durban on Thursday, July 13.
It is important to note that these new rules will only be applicable to new T20 leagues and will not impact major tournaments such as the IPL, PSL, SA20, The Hundred, BBL, LPL, T20 Blast and ILT20, which will continue as planned without any changes.
One of the significant changes implemented by the ICC is a restriction on the number of overseas players participating in the new T20 leagues. Moving forward, all new franchise cricket leagues will be required to include a minimum of seven home-grown players or players from associate members in their playing XIs. This rule aims to prioritize the development and utilization of local cricketing talent in these leagues.
Additionally, the host board of each new league will now be obligated to pay a solidarity fee to the participating player’s host board. This fee is designed to promote a sense of unity and support between different cricketing boards and contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the sport.
These new rules signify the ICC’s commitment to fostering the growth of cricket at various levels and ensuring a balanced representation of players from different backgrounds in T20 leagues. By emphasizing the inclusion of home-grown players and promoting financial solidarity, the ICC aims to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for cricketing nations.
As T20 cricket continues to gain popularity worldwide, the ICC remains proactive in shaping the future of the sport, ensuring that it remains vibrant, diverse, and sustainable.
Aspiring cricketing nations and emerging talents can look forward to greater opportunities and exposure through these new rules, which aim to promote a fair and balanced ecosystem within the T20 league landscape.
