The Cricket Boards of Australia, England, and India, commonly referred to as the Big Three, are contemplating the revival of the Champions League T20 (CLT20) tournament, a decade after its last edition.
Nick Cummins, CEO of Cricket Victoria, revealed that “active conversations” are ongoing among the boards, although a final decision is yet to be reached. One of the primary challenges lies in finding a suitable window in the tightly packed cricket calendar for the tournament’s return.
Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Cummins expressed his belief that the Champions League was ahead of its time during its initial run. He noted that the T20 landscape has matured significantly since then, making it ripe for the tournament’s resurgence. He also mentioned ongoing discussions between Cricket Australia, the ECB, and the BCCI regarding the tournament’s potential return.
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Finding an appropriate timing for the tournament is crucial due to the numerous ICC events already scheduled. Cummins suggested that the inaugural edition of the revived Champions League might focus on women’s cricket, potentially involving players from leagues such as the WPL, the Hundred, and the WBBL.
The last CLT20 was held in India in 2014, with the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings emerging as champions by defeating the Kolkata Knight Riders in the final in Bengaluru. The tournament typically featured teams from India, Australia, South Africa, Pakistan, the West Indies, and New Zealand.
Cummins emphasized the need to determine which cricket league is the best, whether it’s the IPL, PSL, or the Big Bash. He proposed that showcasing matchups like Melbourne Stars against Karachi Kings or Mumbai Indians could help settle the debate.
In conclusion, Cummins highlighted the overdue nature of the Champions League’s return, drawing parallels to the impact of the UEFA Champions League in football. He underscored the potential of the tournament to complement existing events like the World Cup, enhancing the global appeal of T20 cricket.
