Champions League T20 set for global comeback as the World Club Championship in 2026

[Ball Blazer]

In a landmark move for franchise cricket, the once-defunct Champions League T20 is set for a dramatic return in 2026, reborn as the World Club Championship. As reported by The Cricketer, this revamped competition will retain the essence of the original format by gathering title-winning teams from premier T20 leagues worldwide.

Franchises from high-profile competitions like the IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20, and The Hundred are expected to participate, setting the stage for an elite clash of domestic champions on a global platform. Unlike its predecessor, which was retired in 2015 due to low TV ratings and sponsorship woes, this new version arrives at a time when nearly every major cricketing nation runs a thriving franchise league—making the atmosphere ripe for a successful revival.

Key cricketing authorities such as the BCCI and ECB are reportedly backing the initiative. ICC Chairman Jay Shah has expressed support, and ECB CEO Richard Gould recently told ESPNCricinfo, “Without doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship for both men and women. That's the next logical step."

Notably, the ECB is pushing for The Hundred champions to represent England, signaling a shift toward newer, more commercially appealing formats.

The original Champions League T20 ran from 2009 to 2014, with Indian teams dominating—Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings each lifted the trophy twice. Now, with increased global competition and an evolved audience base, the World Club Championship could fulfill cricket’s long-held dream of a club-based tournament to rival football’s UEFA Champions League.

 

[mominsaigol]

In a landmark move for franchise cricket, the once-defunct Champions League T20 is set for a dramatic return in 2026, reborn as the World Club Championship. As reported by The Cricketer, this revamped competition will retain the essence of the original format by gathering title-winning teams from premier T20 leagues worldwide.

Franchises from high-profile competitions like the IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20, and The Hundred are expected to participate, setting the stage for an elite clash of domestic champions on a global platform. Unlike its predecessor, which was retired in 2015 due to low TV ratings and sponsorship woes, this new version arrives at a time when nearly every major cricketing nation runs a thriving franchise league—making the atmosphere ripe for a successful revival.

Key cricketing authorities such as the BCCI and ECB are reportedly backing the initiative. ICC Chairman Jay Shah has expressed support, and ECB CEO Richard Gould recently told ESPNCricinfo, “Without doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship for both men and women. That's the next logical step."

Notably, the ECB is pushing for The Hundred champions to represent England, signaling a shift toward newer, more commercially appealing formats.

The original Champions League T20 ran from 2009 to 2014, with Indian teams dominating—Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings each lifted the trophy twice. Now, with increased global competition and an evolved audience base, the World Club Championship could fulfill cricket’s long-held dream of a club-based tournament to rival football’s UEFA Champions League.

That's great news. I missed this league. I remember watching it and loved it.

 

[Rajdeep]

I have been asking this for so many years. It has the potential to be the greatest tournament in the world. There is lots of untapped potential in it. I was asking PCB to take the initiative and re launch Champions league. However, once again, they like other boards are reliant on Big 3 boards to do the job for them.

 

[BouncerGuy]

PSL vs IPL champs.... LETS GOOOOO

 

[Devadwal]

I have been asking this for so many years. It has the potential to be the greatest tournament in the world. There is lots of untapped potential in it. I was asking PCB to take the initiative and re launch Champions league. However, once again, they like other boards are reliant on Big 3 boards to do the job for them.

Most important questions - Which month will be best for this league? I can't see any suitable time period for this league

Maybe Feb - March before the start of Biggest league in the world cricket and this would be best time for overseas players to impress IPL franchises

 

[Ball Blazer]

Most important questions - Which month will be best for this league? I can't see any suitable time period for this league

Maybe Feb - March before the start of Biggest league in the world cricket and this would be best time for overseas players to impress IPL franchises

We have PSL in Feb-March. Maybe right after IPL?

 

[Devadwal]

We have PSL in Feb-March. Maybe right after IPL?

Doesn't PSL change the slot and happening during the IPL ?

 

[RidiculousMan]

Saudi rival league prompt BCCI to start this. BCCI will be keen to outcast Pakistan based teams and players.

 

[cricfan432]

Which team foreign players will choose? That'll be the issue. It'll be conflict of interest.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I wonder if the ICC viewed the FIFA Club World Cup taking place and thought they could join in the action.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

If this works this could be spark the end of bilateral international T20 cricket.

 

[Devadwal]

Champion league will end of the league which Will be happen alongside it

 

[Vikram1989]

If this happens , franchises may take priority based choices from each player. Previously in case of conflict of interest, ipl used to pay the other franchise losing that player.now there are multiple franchisees, so it can't happen now.A free of cost option should be considered for all franchises.

 

[Major]

This only works if its being run by ICC and their is equal representation. Dont want a situation where IPL gets to submit 4 teams, PSL is submitting 1 team.

I would like a 2 team per country from the Top 8 t20 nations (Runner up and winner), and for the rest of the the nations have a qualify round or 1 team each.

This can only work if its ICC run though.

Also ECB shouldnt be allowed to send in a 100 league team as its a different format altogether. Thats like Hong Kong sending in a team from the Hong Kong Sixes.

 

[HitWicket]

Also ECB shouldnt be allowed to send in a 100 league team as its a different format altogether.

It's not though, it officially has T20 status.

 

[Major]

It's not though, it officially has T20 status.

It is. its a 100 ball game not 120 ball. ANd has different over limits

 

[HitWicket]

It is. its a 100 ball game not 120 ball. ANd has different over limits

The ICCs classification of T20 status doesn't require the game to have 120 balls per side, only 20 overs per side (with no stipulation of how long those overs are) hence why it has been given T20 status.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

This only works if its being run by ICC and their is equal representation. Dont want a situation where IPL gets to submit 4 teams, PSL is submitting 1 team.

I would like a 2 team per country from the Top 8 t20 nations (Runner up and winner), and for the rest of the the nations have a qualify round or 1 team each.

This can only work if its ICC run though.

Also ECB shouldnt be allowed to send in a 100 league team as its a different format altogether. Thats like Hong Kong sending in a team from the Hong Kong Sixes.

You need to factor in sizes of market and quality of cricket.

Why would Lanka Premier League and BPL get two spots UAE and US team 1 spot despite being better teams?

Indians will bring the most money so should have more teams too.

 

[rpant_gabba]

I hope not.

enough of this garbage.

 

[Major]

The ICCs classification of T20 status doesn't require the game to have 120 balls per side, only 20 overs per side (with no stipulation of how long those overs are) hence why it has been given T20 status.

Again which is wrong. As an over has 6 balls to be delivered and played in 20 over cricket

 

[Major]

You need to factor in sizes of market and quality of cricket.

Why would Lanka Premier League and BPL get two spots UAE and US team 1 spot despite being better teams?

Indians will bring the most money so should have more teams too.

If we are going factor in marker sizes etc than it again ruins the whole league and cricket.
Having 4 indian teams and 1 pakistani team makes the whole thing look flawed. There needs to be a balance. It should be an equal chance with equal representation.

 

[U$ofA]

You need to factor in sizes of market and quality of cricket.

Why would Lanka Premier League and BPL get two spots UAE and US team 1 spot despite being better teams?

Indians will bring the most money so should have more teams too.

If we are going factor in marker sizes etc than it again ruins the whole league and cricket.
Having 4 indian teams and 1 pakistani team makes the whole thing look flawed. There needs to be a balance. It should be an equal chance with equal representation.

If I remember correctly, the previous rendition started off with equal number of teams. They quickly found out that it was not financially viable. So had to bring in more IPL teams in the subsequent editions.

Was still financially not viable even after all the IPL teams. IPL was footing 50% of the bills and ECB, CA the other 50%. The rest of them just showed up. Not a great model to run a tournament.

I also recall the IPL getting tired of footing the bills and withdrawing. Which immediately shut down the tournament. If the financial model is going to be the same, this reboot is not going to work.

 

[Bhaijaan]

We already have that, it’s called the IPL. Clash of the 10 biggest clubs in cricket.

 

[BouncerGuy]

They need to make changes from the last time they tried to arrange such an event..

I think this could be a blockbuster or just another 1-time gig.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This only works if its being run by ICC and their is equal representation. Dont want a situation where IPL gets to submit 4 teams, PSL is submitting 1 team.

I would like a 2 team per country from the Top 8 t20 nations (Runner up and winner), and for the rest of the the nations have a qualify round or 1 team each.

This can only work if its ICC run though.

Also ECB shouldnt be allowed to send in a 100 league team as its a different format altogether. Thats like Hong Kong sending in a team from the Hong Kong Sixes.

In the Champions League (football) there are certain countries who get a greater representation based on the quality of their league. I don't see what's wrong with that. Also don't see what's wrong with England sending their Hundred team(s). Hundred match stats are calculated as T20 stats.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

More T20 cricket is never a good thing... in whatever shape or form it may be

 

[harshjoshi87]

Someone rightly posted, this garbage tournament shouldn't take place as there's enough T20 happening throughout the year.

 

[Bhaijaan]

From the beginning this idea has never made sense to me.

Non Indian cricketers act as mercenaries playing for dozens of leagues throughout the year and don't have allegiance to one franchise. Until players are not exclusive to their franchise this wouldn't feel serious enough.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

From the beginning this idea has never made sense to me.

Non Indian cricketers act as mercenaries playing for dozens of leagues throughout the year and don't have allegiance to one franchise. Until players are not exclusive to their franchise this wouldn't feel serious enough.

This is another reason why Indians deserve more teams.

 

[Major]

In the Champions League (football) there are certain countries who get a greater representation based on the quality of their league. I don't see what's wrong with that. Also don't see what's wrong with England sending their Hundred team(s). Hundred match stats are calculated as T20 stats.

which is wrong. Just cause Football does it doesnt justify it

Hundred is not t20

 

[RexRex]

Non Indian cricketers act as mercenaries playing for dozens of leagues throughout the year and don't have allegiance to one franchise. Until players are not exclusive to their franchise this wouldn't feel serious enough.

It's a completely unworkable idea.

 

[Bhaijaan]

It's a completely unworkable idea.

Yup.
There is no market for matches not involving IPL teams quite literally.

This will be Indian sponsors wasting their money. You can’t make money from this. This is a loss making venture.

Nobody gonna follow Dhaka Fishermen vs Multan Thekedars except twelve guys on this forum.

 

[Ball Blazer]

No Pakistan In World Clubs T20 Championship Next Year

Pakistan is likely to be excluded from the World Clubs T20 Championship, expected to launch next year.

A source familiar with the developments stated that the winning team in the Pakistan Super League is unlikely to receive an invitation to the event, which is being expedited with the support of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its chairman, Jay Shah.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board was invited to send its CEO of the PSL for a meeting held on the sidelines of the cricket connect meeting in London last month but no one showed up," the source said.

He mentioned that CEOs of most of the leading T20 franchise-based leagues gathered for the meeting, initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board with ICC’s backing.

“Discussions were held on the proposed World Clubs Championship, its window, format, schedule etc. (The) CEOs of the Emirates League, Big Bash League, The Hundred, SA20, MLC, Caribbean Premier League etc attended the meeting. Pakistan was also invited," he confirmed.

Will IPL Teams Take Part?​

The source explained that initially, the World Clubs event will feature five teams, excluding any team from the Indian Premier League.

“Though the planned event has the backing of the Indian board but for the inaugural championship there will be no IPL participation."

The source indicated that the World Clubs Championship is being fast-tracked to counter the planned Saudi Cricket League.

Private investors are planning to fund the Saudi League with an initial investment of $400 million but are facing resistance as they aim to model their league after the Tennis Grand Slam events each year.

The source noted that the recent meeting was crucial as CEOs discussed fixed windows for their events and the availability of NOCs for overseas players.

“The PCB didn’t show up and strangely Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also not regularly attended ICC meetings."

Source: https://www.news18.com/cricket/no-p...hip-next-year-ipl-teams-may-ws-l-9424362.html

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Lol, what a ridiculous tournament. The same players switching teams for different leagues. Thankfully, football doesn't follow such absurd rules and sticks to one of the best league and tournament formats in sports.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Jay Shah role here is a bit confusing.

As ICC chief should he be trying to grow the game in countries like Saudi Arabia, or slyly try to arrange quick fast tracked tournaments to keep Indian monopoly going and stop cricket growing in new countries?

 

[rpant_gabba]

Jay Shah role here is a bit confusing.

As ICC chief should he be trying to grow the game in countries like Saudi Arabia, or slyly try to arrange quick fast tracked tournaments to keep Indian monopoly going and stop cricket growing in new countries?

Yea, what’s up with that? That’s Eng and Aus job

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Yea, what’s up with that? That’s Eng and Aus job

Have they fast tracked leagues to try and stop Saudis building a league too?

 

[rpant_gabba]

Have they fast tracked leagues to try and stop Saudis building a league too?

Well one is with Saudis and the other is trying to stop it.

CL seams to pit Aus and Eng against each other for some reason

 

[DeadlyVenom]

Well one is with Saudis and the other is trying to stop it.

CL seams to pit Aus and Eng against each other for some reason

Neither hold the ICC presidency. Individual boards will of course want what's best for them, but Shah supposedly is meant to be above them.

 

[rpant_gabba]

Neither hold the ICC presidency. Individual boards will of course want what's best for them, but Shah supposedly is meant to be above them.

You are right. Maybe one of the rebel boards can do something about it. I suggest a PCB-BCB-SL alliance . Unstoppable

 

[RidiculousMan]

No Pakistan In World Clubs T20 Championship Next Year

Saudi rival league prompt BCCI to start this. BCCI will be keen to outcast Pakistan based teams and players.

I commented this last week.

 

[Barragan]

If no PSL team is allowed, then neither should the Pak players be participating.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

This tournament reeks of desperation..

 

[Major]

5 teams, and that too soo fast tracked.

Yup its gonna fail

 

[DeadlyVenom]

5 teams, and that too soo fast tracked.

Yup its gonna fail

You were worried about too many Indian teams but seems like Indians want to organize the tournament but not send any of their own teams