IPL Chairman hints at Champions League T20’s return after decade-long wait
"We are delighted with the contributions by our franchises and enterprises in broadening the scope of cricket," IPL Chairman and former BCCI treasurer Arun Dhumal said.
After nearly a decade, the Champions League T20 (CLT20) could likely return, with IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal recently hinting at the reintroduction of the tournament. The multi-nation franchise event, which saw top T20 teams from around the world take on each other, was discontinued in 2014 due to scheduling issues and reduced viewer interest. But now, with franchise cricket booming globally, talks of bringing CLT20 are been taken into consideration.
CLT20, first played in 2009, was an attempt by the BCCI, Cricket Australia, and the England and Wales Cricket Board to replicate football’s UEFA Champions League format in cricket. It featured champion domestic teams from India, Australia, South Africa, England, the West Indies, Pakistan, and more.
While teams like Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Sydney Sixers lifted the title during their six-season run, the tournament couldn’t sustain long-term interest due to overlapping schedules and sponsorship issues. Dhumal pointed out that while the tournament was ahead of its time but the situation is different today.
"We've attempted this before, albeit perhaps prematurely. I'm open to possibilities, but everything hinges on whether we can allocate time for it. If it elevates cricket on a global platform, we're certainly open to exploring it," he said as quoted by Odisha TV.
Every major cricketing nation now has its own T20 league, from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and SA20 to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Major League Cricket (MLC). Indian franchises themselves have played a crucial role in expanding this league.
"We are delighted with the contributions by our franchises and enterprises in broadening the scope of cricket. As a leader in the sport, India's role is crucial in fostering cricket's growth globally, and we are very pleased with our progress," he added.
The main challenge will still be the packed international calendar. If brought back, CLT20 could include teams from the IPL, PSL, BBL, The Hundred, SA20, BPL, LPL, CPL, ILT20, and more. A potential window between mid-September and early October—used during the last edition, could be tried out again, although conflicts with bilateral Test series will be a concern to tackle.
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