The Champions League T20 is making a comeback. But this time, it’s bigger and better. It will return as the World Club Championship. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the news. They are planning a new global T20 club tournament. The goal is to bring the world’s best T20 teams together.
The original Champions League T20 ran from 2009 to 2014. It featured top teams from leagues like the IPL, BBL, and South Africa’s domestic T20. It was exciting but short-lived. Poor TV ratings, scheduling issues, and sponsor exits ended it early. Now, the landscape has changed. T20 leagues are booming worldwide. IPL is dominant. PSL, BBL, SA20, ILT20, CPL, and MLC are growing fast. Even The Hundred has made waves in England.
The ECB believes this is the perfect time for a global club event. ECB chief Richard Gould called it “the next logical step.” He also said the tournament will include both men’s and women’s teams.
The New Format
The new tournament will be called the World Club Championship. It could launch in 26. Teams from major leagues will be invited. This includes the IPL, PSL, BBL, SA20, MLC, ILT20, and The Hundred.
Women’s teams may also take part. This is a big upgrade from the old CLT20. The event will likely be short—around 3 to 4 weeks. It will take place in a neutral country or rotate among hosts. India, England, and South Africa are top candidates to host. The format could be a group stage followed by knockouts. Only champion teams from leagues will qualify.
Why Now?
Several reasons are driving this comeback. One, T20 leagues are more popular than ever. Fans love them. Players are stars. Two, broadcasters want more content. A global club event can bring in big money.
Three, fans want new rivalries. Imagine IPL vs PSL. Or BBL vs ILT20. Four, cricket needs innovation. Bilateral series are losing fans. A world club event could be the fresh boost needed.
Five, other sports are doing it. Football has the FIFA Club World Cup. Rugby is exploring global club formats. Cricket is now following that path. The ECB also wants to grow women’s cricket. Including women’s teams in the Club Championship could be a game-changer.
Challenges Ahead
But there are hurdles. First, the calendar is full. Leagues already take up the year. IPL, PSL, BBL, and ILT20 all run in packed windows. Boards will have to cooperate.
Second, player workload is an issue. Players are already stretched. Injuries are common. Third, revenue-sharing must be fair. Boards and leagues will need to agree on who earns what.
Fourth, fans must care. The old CLT20 failed partly because fans didn’t connect with all teams. The new event must build strong stories and rivalries.
Fifth, travel and scheduling will be tough. Teams from many continents will need visas, travel plans, and recovery time.
BCCI’s Role
The BCCI’s support is vital. Without IPL teams, the event loses shine. So far, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal is open to it. He said, “If it creates value for cricket, we’ll look at it.” This is a good sign. If the IPL joins, other leagues will follow. It will also guarantee star players and huge viewership.
What Could It Look Like?
Here’s a possible layout:
- 12 men’s teams
- 8 women’s teams
- Group stage → semi-finals → final
- Prize money for all stages
- Host rotation every year
Imagine Mumbai Indians vs Sydney Sixers. Or Lahore Qalandars vs Chennai Super Kings. Fans would love it.
Economic Impact
The new tournament could be big business. Sponsorships, ads, streaming rights everything could grow. Even ticket sales would soar. Local economies could benefit from tourism too. Women’s cricket would also gain. A global women’s franchise event is still missing. This could fill that gap.
What’s Next?
Talks are ongoing. The ICC is not directly running it yet. But they may support the idea. Boards from England, India, Australia, and others are in discussions. If all goes well, the first event could happen in 2026. That gives 18–24 months to plan. The key now is unity. Boards must agree. Players must support it. Broadcasters must invest. Fans must be excited. If everything clicks, this could become cricket’s own Champions League.
Conclusion on Champions League T20
The Champions League T20 is returning. But with a new name. And a better plan. The World Club Championship could change club cricket forever. It could bring fans together. It could boost women’s cricket. It could create new legends. The world is ready. The clubs are ready. The fans are ready. Now cricket just needs to deliver.
