After nearly 10 years since its last edition, the Champions League T20 (CLT20) could make a return, with IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal recently hinting at the reintroduction of the prestigious tournament. Once touted as cricket’s answer to football’s UEFA Champions League, CLT20 brought together champion domestic T20 sides from around the world. However, the tournament was discontinued in 2014 due to scheduling conflicts and dwindling viewership.
A Pioneering Format Ahead of Its Time
Launched in 2009, the CLT20 was a collaborative initiative by the BCCI, Cricket Australia, and the England and Wales Cricket Board. It featured top-performing franchise teams from countries like India, Australia, South Africa, England, Pakistan, and the West Indies. Iconic teams such as Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Sydney Sixers were among the champions during its six-year run.
Despite its initial excitement, the event struggled to capture a consistent fanbase due to overlapping schedules, broadcast limitations, and sponsorship issues. However, Dhumal believes that global franchise cricket is now in a better position to support such a tournament.
“We’ve attempted this before, albeit perhaps prematurely. I’m open to possibilities, but everything hinges on whether we can allocate time for it. If it elevates cricket on a global platform, we’re certainly open to exploring it,” Dhumal said, as quoted by Odisha TV.
Global T20 Ecosystem Could Support CLT20 2.0
In the current landscape, almost every major cricketing nation hosts its own T20 league—PSL, SA20, CPL, MLC, ILT20, The Hundred, BPL, and LPL. Many of these teams have been directly influenced or owned by IPL franchises, helping create a more interconnected global cricket structure.
“We are delighted with the contributions by our franchises and enterprises in broadening the scope of cricket. As a leader in the sport, India’s role is crucial in fostering cricket’s growth globally, and we are very pleased with our progress,” Dhumal noted.
The main obstacle to a CLT20 revival remains the packed international calendar. A tentative window between mid-September and early October—used in previous editions—could be reconsidered. However, bilateral Test series and international commitments might pose logistical hurdles.
If revived, CLT20 could feature an all-star line-up of clubs from the IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20, CPL, and more, providing a true global spectacle for T20 fans worldwide.
Isha Pannu, a seasoned content writer and dedicated cricket expert, brings over three years of invaluable experience to the realm of cricket journalism. She is a content producer for Cricketwebs News Website.
