Alarmed by the rapid proliferation of franchise T20 leagues across the globe, the ICC Board has approved the formation of a dedicated committee to examine how franchise cricket can coexist with the international calendar without disrupting the existing structure.
The move reflects growing concerns among member boards that the expansion of domestic leagues is increasingly putting pressure on bilateral commitments and the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP). The issue has gained urgency as franchise leagues continue to multiply across cricketing markets.
Alongside the IPL, tournaments such as the SA20, ILT20, Big Bash League (BBL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), The Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) occupy significant windows in the cricket calendar, while the European T20 Premier League is set to launch later this year.
“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 governing body has long grappled with balancing player availability, national commitments and the commercial growth of franchise competitions. Previous discussions within ICC committees have included proposals to cap the number of leagues a player can participate in during a season while ensuring international obligations remain the priority.
The concern is particularly acute for smaller cricketing nations, where players increasingly view franchise cricket as a more lucrative and sustainable career path than international cricket.
GROWING FRANCHISE PULL
Recent years have seen several high-profile players step away from international cricket to focus on franchise opportunities. West Indies batter Nicholas Pooran retired from international cricket before turning 30, while South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen also opted out of national duties despite remaining one of the most sought-after T20 players in the world.
Former West Indies spinner Sunil Narine similarly spent much of his career prioritising franchise commitments over representing his national side.
With new leagues emerging and existing tournaments expanding, the ICC fears that an unchecked franchise calendar could further undermine bilateral cricket and complicate scheduling under the FTP. India remains an exception, with the BCCI continuing to prohibit its contracted first-class cricketers from participating in overseas T20 leagues.
The newly formed committee is expected to explore mechanisms that can protect international cricket while recognising the growing importance of franchise tournaments in the sport’s global ecosystem.
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