IPL 2023, The Rise of Multi-Franchise Contracts: IPL franchises are exploring the idea of a new multi-franchise contract that would allow megastars like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins to play in multiple franchises with a big-money contract. This new contract could effectively be called “One Contract to Rule Them All.” With many franchises operating multiple teams across different leagues, the idea of multi-franchise contracts is gaining traction.
Here are some of the highlights of this development: The Rise of Multi-Franchise Contracts and the Impact on International Cricket
- As many as 16 players currently have contracts with two or more teams of the same franchises. While separate contracts are currently followed for each franchise tournament, that could change very soon.
- South African and West Indies superstars dominate the current multi-franchise setup, but franchises are pursuing Australian stars to sign up for such a deal. Steve Smith and David Warner, among others, have already received mind-boggling $7.5 million or Rs 61 Crore contracts to play in Major League Cricket from IPL franchises.
- If players sign such contracts, they won’t need a NOC from their national teams. Instead, they will need NOCs from their franchises to play for their national sides.
- Franchise cricket will take over the traditional idea of bilateral cricket soon. Boards like South Africa, West Indies, or Sri Lanka will have no sway over their players. With little money on offer, they will move away from the national team and play in franchise cricket.
- Some Indian players who have been regular in the state side but haven’t been able to crack the IPL code are open to retiring to play in franchise leagues.
- Some current Australian players are already considering a move to accept such multi-franchise contracts. Players from countries barring the Big 3 (India, Australia, and England) could be tempted.
- The BCCI is following the development closely, but they are not bothered by it. However, there could be a time when BCCI could lose the value of big series if players choose franchise cricket over international cricket.
Here are some of the players playing trade in multiple teams of the same franchise: The Rise of Multi-Franchise Contracts and the Impact on International Cricket
- Quinton de Kock – Lucknow Super Giants, Durban Super Giants
- Aiden Markram – Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sunrisers Eastern Cape
- Andre Russell – Kolkata Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Trinbago Knight Riders
- Sunil Narine – Kolkata Knight Riders, Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Trinbago Knight Riders
- Rovman Powell – Delhi Capitals, Dubai Capitals
- Obed McCoy – Rajasthan Royals, Paarl Royals
- Rilee Rossouw – Delhi Capitals, Pretoria Capitals
- Anrich Nortje – Delhi Capitals, Pretoria Capitals
- Kyle Mayers – Lucknow Super Giants, Durban Super Giants
- Moeen Ali – Chennai Super Kings, Joburg Super Kings
- Dewald Brevis – Mumbai Indians, MI Cape Town
- Duan Jansen – Mumbai Indians, MI Cape Town
- Tim David – Mumbai Indians, MI Cape Town
- Jofra Archer – Mumbai Indians, MI Cape Town
- Jos Buttler – Rajasthan Royals, Paarl Royals
- Marco Jansen – Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sunrisers Eastern Cape
The potential move towards multi-franchise contracts in the IPL could have far-reaching implications for the future of cricket, particularly for national teams outside of the “Big 3” countries of India, Australia, and England. With the lure of big money and playing security, players from these countries may be tempted to prioritize franchise cricket over playing for their national sides, which could result in a weakening of those teams and a further widening of the gap between the Big 3 and the rest of the cricketing world.
IPL 2023: The Rise of Multi-Franchise Contracts and the Impact on International Cricket
However, it’s worth noting that this is not a new phenomenon. Many cricketers have already retired from international cricket to focus on T20 leagues, particularly the IPL, in recent years. And while the rise of franchise cricket has undoubtedly impacted the sport, particularly in terms of the amount of money involved, it’s unlikely that it will completely replace traditional bilateral series or international tournaments anytime soon.
Ultimately, it will be up to individual players to decide whether a multi-franchise contract is a right move for them, both financially and in terms of their cricketing ambitions. But as the IPL and other T20 leagues continue to grow in popularity and profitability, it’s clear that the landscape of cricket is changing, and it remains to be seen how this will affect the sport in the long term.
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