After a decade-long hiatus, the Champions League T20 is gearing up for a blockbuster comeback. The ICC and global cricket boards are planning a bigger, better version of the international franchise tournament that could debut as early as next year.
Table of Contents
Champions League T20 Set to Make Grand Return
In a move that could reshape the global cricket calendar, the Champions League T20 (CLT20) is all set for a high-profile comeback after more than ten years. The tournament, which once brought together top-performing T20 franchises from various domestic leagues, is expected to return with greater scale and renewed vision, according to sources close to the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The decision to revive the Champions League T20 was finalized during the ICC Annual Conference in Singapore, where member boards discussed the future of franchise cricket and the need for a consolidated global event. With the modern T20 landscape far richer and more diverse than in 2015, the CLT20’s return is seen as a timely answer to cricket’s expanding commercial and fan engagement frontiers.
What’s Changing? A New Era of Franchise Cricket
Back in 2015, T20 leagues were limited to a few Test-playing nations. Fast forward to today, and the cricketing map is dotted with over 11 franchise leagues, including the UAE’s ILT20, USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC), and England’s The Hundred. Countries like Nepal, Canada, and Zimbabwe have also joined the action, making franchise cricket a truly global affair.
The reimagined Champions League T20 aims to bring the top teams from these leagues onto one platform, creating a “club World Cup” of sorts for cricket fans worldwide.
But with opportunity comes complexity. One of the main hurdles ahead is navigating cross-ownership, where conglomerates like Reliance and Knight Riders Group own multiple teams across different leagues. Regulators are expected to form a Governing Council (GC)—as done previously—to ensure fairness and transparency.
Scheduling Headaches and Broadcast Battles
While the vision is ambitious, implementing it won’t be easy. Cricket’s international calendar is already packed to the brim. Identifying a suitable window that doesn’t clash with existing commitments like bilateral series, the IPL, or The Hundred will require delicate planning.
Another crucial step is finalizing a broadcaster. In fact, it was the lack of profitability and declining viewership that led to the CLT20’s demise in 2014. Star Sports, the then-broadcaster, had reportedly incurred heavy losses and opted for a compensation payout to BCCI, Cricket Australia (CA), and Cricket South Africa (CSA) to wind up the league.
This time around, the tendering process for broadcasting rights will be crucial. With digital streaming giants and sports networks now competing fiercely for exclusive content, the CLT20 could spark a major bidding war.
Who’s In? The Likely Stakeholders
As in the past, the BCCI and its marquee tournament, the IPL, are expected to play a leading role in the new version of CLT20. However, there’s growing buzz that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)—absent in the previous edition—might participate actively this time, alongside Cricket Australia.
Though not confirmed, Cricket South Africa—one of the original three co-founders—could also be roped back in to help shape the league’s direction. Other potential participants could include boards from the UAE, USA, Sri Lanka, and West Indies, each with flourishing domestic leagues.
A Look Back: Champions League T20 (2009–2014)
The original Champions League T20 was launched in 2009 with the backing of BCCI, CA, and CSA. Despite initial fanfare, the tournament struggled with poor attendance, lack of continuity, and competition from other major events. The final edition was played in 2014, and a year later, the curtains were officially drawn.
But a decade on, the cricket world is much more ready—and eager—for a global domestic showdown.
Global T20 Leagues That Could Feature in CLT20
| League | Country | Established |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Premier League (IPL) | India | 2008 |
| Big Bash League (BBL) | Australia | 2011 |
| The Hundred | England | 2021 |
| SA20 | South Africa | 2023 |
| ILT20 | UAE | 2023 |
| Major League Cricket (MLC) | USA | 2023 |
| Caribbean Premier League | West Indies | 2013 |
| Lanka Premier League (LPL) | Sri Lanka | 2020 |
| Global T20 Canada | Canada | 2018 |
| Everest Premier League | Nepal | 2016 |
| Bangladesh Premier League | Bangladesh | 2012 |
Champions League T20 (2009–2014): Past Winners
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host Nation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | NSW Blues | Trinidad & Tobago | India |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | Warriors | South Africa |
| 2011 | Mumbai Indians | RCB | India |
| 2012 | Sydney Sixers | Lions | South Africa |
| 2013 | Mumbai Indians | Rajasthan Royals | India |
| 2014 | Chennai Super Kings | KKR | India |
FAQs
What is the Champions League T20?
The Champions League T20 (CLT20) was an annual cricket tournament featuring top domestic T20 franchises from around the world.
Why was the Champions League T20 discontinued?
The tournament was discontinued in 2015 due to low viewership and financial losses, especially for the broadcaster Star Sports.
When is the Champions League T20 expected to return?
The ICC and global boards are aiming to relaunch the CLT20 as early as 2026, pending scheduling and broadcast deals.
Will IPL teams participate in the new CLT20?
Yes, IPL teams are expected to play a central role, with BCCI likely to lead the organization of the revived tournament.
How will cross-team ownership be managed?
The ICC is expected to form a Governing Council to establish clear regulations and prevent conflicts of interest from multi-league ownership.
