After almost a decade, the Champions League T20 (CLT20) is all set to make a thrilling comeback. The league, which once brought together the best T20 franchises from across the globe, was discontinued in 2014. But now, in a major development, the ICC is working on reviving this global T20 spectacle as early as next year.
ICC’s Decision and Planning Updates
In a recent high-level meeting, ICC members formally agreed to bring back the Champions League T20, with preparations to begin immediately. The goal is to launch the tournament as early as 2026, and discussions are underway to finalize the format, rules, and structure of the competition.
Franchise Ownership Across Leagues – A New Challenge
One of the major talking points is the multi-league ownership model. Big franchise owners like Mumbai Indians now have teams in multiple T20 leagues:
- MI Cape Town in SA20
- MI New York in Major League Cricket
- Mumbai Indians in IPL
This raises new concerns about conflicts of interest and competitive fairness, which ICC and league stakeholders will need to address carefully.
Finding the Right Slot in a Packed Calendar
Another major hurdle is the tight international and domestic cricket calendar. With players already juggling bilateral series, IPL, and other T20 leagues, finding a dedicated window for Champions League T20 will be a challenge. Organizers are looking for a slot that doesn’t clash with other major events.
T20 Leagues Likely to Participate
As per early reports, the following leagues are expected to send their top-performing teams to the new CLT20:
Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (Australia), The Hundred (England), SA20 (South Africa), Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Major League Cricket (USA), Lanka Premier League (LPL), International League T20 (UAE)
The final list of teams will be confirmed based on performance and commercial viability.
Why PSL Might Miss Out
Interestingly, as of now, Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams are not expected to participate in the revived Champions League T20. The reason behind this exclusion hasn’t been officially stated, but it could be due to geopolitical tensions, scheduling conflicts, or lack of consensus among boards. However, this could still change in the future depending on negotiations.
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Expected Launch and What’s Next
If all goes well, the Champions League T20 could begin as early as 2026, possibly after the T20 World Cup. The focus now shifts to:
Finalizing team selection criteria, Aligning schedules across leagues, Creating a balanced and fair format.
Cricket fans can expect a global T20 showdown like never before — with top franchise teams from around the world going head-to-head in one blockbuster tournament.
The return of the Champions League T20 is a huge development for franchise cricket. With global interest in T20 leagues at an all-time high, this tournament could redefine how fans experience club vs club battles across borders. Stay tuned for more updates as official announcements roll in.