oi-Sauradeep Ash
In a major development for global franchise cricket, the long-defunct Champions League T20 is reportedly set to return in a revamped avatar. According to The Cricketer, the tournament is slated for a 2026 relaunch under the new name – the World Club Championship.
This fresh iteration will follow the core structure of the original CLT20, bringing together title-winning teams from top T20 leagues across the globe. Franchises from the IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20, and The Hundred are expected to feature, creating a world-stage showdown among elite domestic champions.
Backing for the revival appears strong. The report suggests that both the BCCI and ECB are onboard, with ICC Chairman Jay Shah also lending his approval. Notably, the ECB is reportedly advocating for the inclusion of The Hundred champions over the traditional Vitality Blast winners, indicating a shift toward newer, marketable formats.
Speaking to ESPNCricinfo recently, ECB CEO Richard Gould hinted at the inevitability of such a tournament, “That is on the cards. Without doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship for both men and women. That’s the next logical step.”
Why the Return Now?
First launched in 2009, the Champions League T20 ran until 2014 before being scrapped in 2015 due to poor television ratings and sponsorship struggles. The IPL dominated the lineup, with three franchises per edition, while only a few other leagues were represented. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians emerged as the most successful teams, with two titles each.
However, the global cricket landscape has since transformed. With nearly every major cricketing nation now boasting its own franchise league, the time is ripe for a more inclusive, competitive, and commercially viable global tournament. If executed well, the World Club Championship could finally establish a club-based spectacle in cricket akin to football’s UEFA Champions League – a long-sought goal for the sport’s expansion.
Story first published: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 6:25 [IST]
