After a decade-long hiatus, discussions have reignited among cricket powerhouses Australia, England, and India to resurrect the much-celebrated Champions League T20 (CLT20) tournament. Nick Cummins, CEO of Cricket Victoria, confirmed that “active conversations” are underway between the cricket boards of the three nations to bring back the prestigious competition.
Speaking on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, Cummins expressed optimism about the potential revival, citing the evolution of the T20 landscape since the tournament’s last edition. “I think the Champions League was ahead of its time. The T20 landscape wasn’t mature enough at that point. I think it is now,” Cummins remarked.
The main challenge, as highlighted by Cummins, lies in finding a suitable window within the crowded cricket calendar to accommodate the tournament. With numerous ICC events and domestic leagues already in place, scheduling poses a significant hurdle.
Considering the complexities, Cummins suggested that the inaugural edition of the revived CLT20 could focus on women’s cricket. This move would align with the growing prominence and popularity of women’s T20 leagues such as the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) and The Hundred.
The Champions League T20, which saw its last iteration in 2014, featured top domestic T20 teams from cricket-playing nations across the globe. Notable winners included Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, showcasing the tournament’s elite stature.
Cummins revealed ongoing discussions with Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley regarding the revival of the CLT20, indicating a collective eagerness among cricket administrators to bring back the competition. He also suggested that BCCI Secretary Jay Shah might offer further insights into the matter.
Drawing parallels with football’s UEFA Champions League, Cummins emphasized the importance of establishing a balanced coexistence between international and club-based cricket competitions. He stressed the significance of showcasing top-tier talent through cross-border clashes between domestic T20 powerhouses.
In envisioning the tournament’s potential, Cummins painted a picture of thrilling encounters between iconic franchises like Mumbai Indians and Melbourne Stars, akin to the excitement generated by international fixtures. He underscored the need for the CLT20 to serve as a platform for the world’s best players to compete against each other, transcending boundaries and affiliations.
As discussions gain momentum, cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await further developments on the revival of the Champions League T20. With the sport continually evolving, the return of this esteemed tournament promises to add a new dimension to the global cricketing landscape.