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The world of franchise cricket could be on the brink of a seismic shift. More than a decade after the last ball was bowled in the Champions League T20 (CLT20), the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is actively exploring the return of a global club-based tournament. With the explosive growth of domestic T20 leagues and the rise of similar club championships in other sports, the time may finally be right for a revamped competition that crowns the best T20 club side in the world.
Champions League T20 set for a comeback
The original CLT20, which ran from 2009 to 2014, was a bold experiment, bringing together champion teams from India, Australia, South Africa, and beyond. Despite a star-studded cast and high-profile broadcast deals, the tournament struggled to capture the public’s imagination and was ultimately discontinued due to limited following and commercial challenges. However, the landscape has changed dramatically since then.
Today, nearly every major cricketing nation boasts its own franchise league: the Big bash League in Australia, IPL in India, PSL in Pakistan, The Hundred in England, SA20 in South Africa, ILT20 in the UAE, and Major League Cricket in the United States. The proliferation of these leagues has created a vibrant, competitive ecosystem—and a growing appetite for a definitive global showdown.
Richard Gould, ECB’s chief executive, believes the moment is ripe for a World Club Championship, describing it as “the next logical step” in cricket’s evolution. “That is on the cards. Without doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship—for both men and women,” Gould told ESPNcricinfo.
The ECB envisions this new event as a way to bring structure and added significance to the ever-expanding world of franchise cricket, mirroring the recent moves in football and rugby to launch global club competitions.
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ECB’s challenges to revive the old spectacle
While the excitement is palpable, significant hurdles remain. Chief among them is finding a suitable window in cricket’s already congested international calendar. The original CLT20 often clashed with domestic seasons, leading to the withdrawal of English teams in its final years. The ECB now suggests that, if revived, England’s representative would likely be the winner of The Hundred, reflecting the competition’s prominence and unique format.
Another critical factor is securing buy-in from the major franchise owners, particularly those in the IPL. With most IPL owners now investing in leagues outside India, their participation would be crucial for both the men’s and women’s versions of the tournament. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has indicated openness, provided the event adds value to cricket globally.
There is also talk of launching a women’s Champions League T20, potentially even before the men’s edition, as women’s franchise leagues like the WPL, WBBL and The Hundred continue to grow in stature.
As discussions between the ECB, BCCI, and Cricket Australia intensify, the cricketing world watches with anticipation. If these plans come to fruition, fans could soon witness a true battle of the best on the grandest stage club cricket has ever seen.
The revival of a Champions League T20-style tournament is no longer just a nostalgic dream. With the ECB taking the initiative and global interest at an all-time high, the return of a world club championship could redefine the future of T20 cricket.
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