With franchise-based T20 leagues garnering popularity globally, the ICC board has approved the formation of a committee that would seek to create a balance between franchise cricket and the international calendar.
The IPL already occupies around two months of the cricket calendar every year. Along with it, leagues such as SA20, ILT20, BBL, BPL, SLPL, The Hundred and CPL have become major attractions around the world. The list is set to grow further with the European T20 Premier League scheduled to begin this year. As a result, playing in franchise leagues has become an increasingly attractive career option for top T20 cricketers who prefer to play as freelancers.
“The Board expressed concern regarding the growing expanse of franchise cricket and resolved to form a committee to assess the harmonisation of franchise cricket with the international calendar within the current structure,” the ICC said in a statement.
The challenge is particularly significant for countries such as the West Indies, where several leading players have chosen franchise cricket over international commitments. A recent example is Nicholas Pooran, who retired from international cricket before turning 30. Similarly, Heinrich Klaasen has stepped away from international cricket while continuing to be a sought-after player in T20 leagues around the world.
Another example is Sunil Narine, who refused to represent the West Indies in T20 internationals despite enjoying a highly successful franchise career.
With so many leagues competing for players and calendar space, there are growing concerns that the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), which governs bilateral international series, could come under pressure. India remains an exception, as the BCCI does not allow its currently contracted first-class players to participate in overseas T20 leagues.
Over the years, various ICC committees have suggested placing a limit on the number of franchise leagues a player can participate in during a season. The idea is to ensure that players remain available for their national teams while still benefiting from opportunities in franchise cricket.
