[REPORT] ICC contemplating rule that would limit players to taking part in 2 T20 leagues annually

[Abdullah719]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is contemplating coming up with sanctions so that there won't be too many Twenty20 mercenaries loitering around the world. During its annual conference in Dublin next week, the world body will formulate a policy in which a cricketer can take part in only one overseas T20 tournament apart from his home league.

The move was necessitated following major boards' complaint that their players are preferring overseas tournaments like Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL) etc to international cricket. Some players such as AB de Villiers are announcing retirement from international cricket so that they can actively take part in T20 leagues world over with their income unaffected.

The new policies are unlikely to affect the IPL and Indian cricketers, which means the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will not be forced to spare its players for other leagues. Besides, the move will also potentially take the sheen off many international leagues given the fact that the creme de la creme of world cricket is expected to prefer IPL to others.

It means big IPL stars like Chris Gayle, Rashid Khan, de Villiers, Shane Watson, Kieron Pollard, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, David Warner will have the option of playing only in the IPL apart from their respective domestic leagues. Most of these players take part in multiple T20 tournaments currently.

Said a source with direct knowledge of the development, "It's the first meeting (the ICC annual conference) but it's ensuring that all of the domestic leagues popping up have minimum standards around governance/anti-corruption/paying players etc. Besides, the leagues don't compromise players playing international cricket.

"They may also consider limiting the number of overseas leagues that players can play in but also ensuring that they're appropriately rewarded for international cricket. A whole host of things to consider." A BCCI official has confirmed to this paper that such a move is in the offing given that the T20 leagues are affecting international cricket.

"But it will not have any impact on the BCCI or the IPL as the new rules will not be violative of the BCCI policy on T20 tournaments," the BCCI official said.

It has been the BCCI's steadfast policy that Indian players cannot take part in overseas franchise T20 leagues.

The move was first suggested by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) as most of its key players play T20 leagues around the world but the need for sanctions was felt by other boards soon. Currently, there are domestic franchise T20 leagues in India, Pakistan, South Africa (coming up), Australia, England (coming up), West Indies, Bangladesh and Afghanistan.

https://ahmedabadmirror.indiatimes....leagues-ipl-may-gain/articleshow/64703987.cms

 

[Fast Bowler]

My initial thoughts are that this will have huge implications for the PSL.

 

[PakSarZameen]

My initial thoughts are that this will have huge implications for the PSL.

You took the words out of my mouth. This would be horrible all the leagues, other than the IPL.

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Weird idea. Hopefully it doesn't happen as smaller leagues will be left in the dust.

 

[Wasim_Waqar]

Ridiculous. Let the players decide and stop screwing over leagues outside India!

 

[sjahmed23]

This would be bad decision by ICC. Players would then just retire at 30 and quadruple their earnings.

 

[JattMaula]

I think this idea was put forward by PCB. They are the first to implement this on their own and are trying to bully others into it. Despicable.

 

[moghul]

Well done BCCI.

 

[Balthazar]

IPL is fine as it mostly takes place during off season where majority of the teams will not be playing. ICC should implement this rule and protect international cricket.

 

[Itachi]

Blame BCCI.

 

[Bhaijaan]

BCCI has no threat from these second/third division standard leagues. In fact these leagues serve as perfect feeders for IPL scouts. IPL is in a class of its own and will eventually become a 20 teams tournament spanning 6-8 months.

 

[Slim]

BCCI has no threat from these second/third division standard leagues. In fact these leagues serve as perfect feeders for IPL scouts. IPL is in a class of its own and will eventually become a 20 teams tournament spanning 6-8 months.

But bhaijan, that is going to hurt international cricket.

 

[Kohli The King of Chase]

And the source is " Ahmedabad Mirror ".

There is not even a single word from ICC spokesperson in this. Some unknown person is quoted here.

 

[introvert]

I don't think it is possible To regulate everyone.
Freelance cricketers are free to take part in whatever leagues they want to take part.
Only cricketers who are bounded by national contracts can be regulated.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

This would be a wrong move.Restriction of players freedom.

 

[JattMaula]

This would be a wrong move.Restriction of players freedom.

Cricket needs to emulate football. Messi plays for Barcelona and will not turn up for Bangaluru FC in off season. Shadab should be an IU player and should not represent a random CPL franchise.

 

[KevinFern]

And the source is " Ahmedabad Mirror ".

There is not even a single word from ICC spokesperson in this. Some unknown person is quoted here.

If its Ahmedabad Mirror, it got to be Vijay Tagore. And let me tell he is a resourceful journalist, at least within Indian cricket and BCCI. Don't know about his ICC connections though

 

[Bhaijaan]

But bhaijan, that is going to hurt international cricket.

Brother Patlu,

Cricket will follow Football’s footsteps.

There will be 3 major domestic leagues - IPL, KFC, PSL

They will all be 6 months long

All superstars will represent one club only and won’t be able to play for multiple clubs.

Champions trophy will make a return and will become the second biggest prize in cricket after World Cup.

 

[gazza619]

My initial thoughts are that this will have huge implications for the PSL.

It will no doubt, but I am not highly concerned. There is still a huge flow of international quality cricketers who take part or get selected in the IPL.

This rule will protect international cricket and players like AB De Villiers will think twice before they retire as they will only be allowed to take part in two leagues a year. This would mean that they would not be playing any competitive cricket for the rest of the year if they have retired from international cricket.

 

[gazza619]

I don't think it is possible To regulate everyone.
Freelance cricketers are free to take part in whatever leagues they want to take part.
Only cricketers who are bounded by national contracts can be regulated.

I think the freelance cricketers will also be regulated by this rule. Otherwise every player would choose to be a freelance player.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Will this stand in a court?

May be they will come to a compromise of 3 leagues.

1 home and 2 foreign leagues. That should be good enough

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Will this stand in a court?

May be they will come to a compromise of 3 leagues.

1 home and 2 foreign leagues. That should be good enough

It would still hurt the smaller leagues of SL, bangladesh etc. as most foreign players would prefer to play in IPL,BBL and in England.

 

[Blitz]

Will this stand in a court?

May be they will come to a compromise of 3 leagues.

1 home and 2 foreign leagues. That should be good enough

Yes.

Fifa has a rule that you can only play for two different clubs in a season ( 1 year).

 

[cricketjoshila]

It would still hurt the smaller leagues of SL, bangladesh etc. as most foreign players would prefer to play in IPL,BBL and in England.

Well at the end of the day there will be a consolidation in this league business. Thats inevitable.

 

[Blitz]

Weird idea. Hopefully it doesn't happen as smaller leagues will be left in the dust.

There's too many league as it is.

Limiting it to 2 guarantees the players won't just tour the world all year round.

Sure, some may retire at 22, but I'm assuming their ambition is higher then that. It works incredibly well for football.

Survival of the fittest in these leagues will produce the best results.

 

[90MPH]

I really hope this news is true.

It’s about time to put the brakes on these pyjama cricket leagues around the world.

Doing nothing means accepting the damage already done to International cricket.

I don’t blame the players but as a cricket fan it’s incredibly disappointing to see someone like AB retiring so early from International cricket.

Something has to be done right now.

 

[Smbhayi]

will backfire.. more cricketers will turn to freelancers.

 

[USofA]

There was support for the 2 league limit when PCB announced this but not so much now. Why?

I personally think that the free market should determine things. Be it the players on where and when they want to play or the actual game of T20 leagues, international cricket. Nothing should be forced. Let the free market and the fans be the decision makers.

 

[JattMaula]

will backfire.. more cricketers will turn to freelancers.

Not if its agreed upon by all member boards.

 

[USofA]

Not if its agreed upon by all member boards.

Freelancers are not bound by the boards or their contracts. By definition, they should be allowed to find employment wherever they choose.

Let the free market determine everything. Do not force anything.

 

[JattMaula]

Freelancers are not bound by the boards or their contracts. By definition, they should be allowed to find employment wherever they choose.

Let the free market determine everything. Do not force anything.

Freelancer aren't but boards and thus PL's are. Free market does not mean no regulations.

 

[Titan24]

So this means Big Bash, PSL, Natwest, CPL and BPL wont have a lot of players left if any. E.g Joefra Archer will play Natwest and IPL, Rashid Khan will play Afghani T20 league and IPL etc.

Nah! Dont think so this idea going anywhere. It is going to cost a player like ABD around $8,00,000 $10,00,000 every year considering he would have in around 4 leagues other than IPL. In 5 years when he will be around 38, 39 he will miss potential earnings of around $40,00,000 to $50,00,000. Thats a huge number. Players are gonna go to courts for this.

Comparing it with football is not a valid comparison as the season of one league lasts almost half a year and there is a lot more money involved.

 

[Titan24]

If this happens, though chances are minimal Pakistani players will be the most precious commodity around (They still have been but maybe more) as they will be only available players (As they dont play IPL) and after playing PSL only one league of BBL, Natwest, CPL or BPL will be able to grab them while they wont have anybody else available bcz other players will either play in home league or IPL.

 

[Pollack]

Only IPL remains safe. Let's have this rule. Too many poor leagues all around the world. Has made cricket a joke.

 

[CricketAnalyst]

Will this stand in a court?

May be they will come to a compromise of 3 leagues.

1 home and 2 foreign leagues. That should be good enough

Not a chance in the world.

Both at CAS level and in individual countries it's the most blatant and obviously illegal restraint of trades. It will also fall afoul of various anti-trust and competition law regulations.

And this is a big enough restraint that definitely some cricketers will challenge it in Court. And when they win, it will be the end of international cricket, because ICC's NOCs even will be declared illegal.

 

[CricketAnalyst]

Freelancer aren't but boards and thus PL's are. Free market does not mean no regulations.

Not exactly.

Players with contracts can be stopped from playing elsewhere.

What is illegal is a body like ICC declaring that certain individuals cannot be employed around the world or creating terms and conditions.

 

[CricketAnalyst]

Yes.

Fifa has a rule that you can only play for two different clubs in a season ( 1 year).

No chance at all.

I am a lawyer and I can assure you, this won't stand in CAS or any common law jurisdiction (which is all cricket countries because British legal system came with cricket as part of package deal).

 

[Hasan123]

The quality of forneigers in most leagues will reduce. Also a lot of players could retire early due to this.

 

[cricketindiafan]

Terrible idea.

Will this stand legal scrutiny? How can ICC deny opportunities for players if they want to play in multiple leagues after obtaining proper NOCs from their respective boards? Majority of cricket players as it is have a short playing career and limited earning opportunities. Will ICC compensate them for lost income?

 

[Major]

Cricket needs to emulate football. Messi plays for Barcelona and will not turn up for Bangaluru FC in off season. Shadab should be an IU player and should not represent a random CPL franchise.

these leagues are played hadrly for a month.

football leagues are played fro 9 months

 

[mohan11]

How BCCI is stopping their players to playing different league in the same way other boards will do.

 

[hadi123]

I don't think this will happen realistically. If it does though, we know many players would choose IPL over other leagues.

 

[Slim]

Brother Patlu,

Cricket will follow Football’s footsteps.

There will be 3 major domestic leagues - IPL, KFC, PSL

They will all be 6 months long

All superstars will represent one club only and won’t be able to play for multiple clubs.

Champions trophy will make a return and will become the second biggest prize in cricket after World Cup.

I dread such a future. International cricket is fantastic. Domestic is boring.

 

[Shutdown Corner]

Ridiculous. Let the players decide and stop screwing over leagues outside India!

If you let players decide they will take T20 over international duty. The onus is on other countries to outdo the IPL. IPL is not going away. Other ** leagues are just congesting the calender and ruining international cricket.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Not a chance in the world.

Both at CAS level and in individual countries it's the most blatant and obviously illegal restraint of trades. It will also fall afoul of various anti-trust and competition law regulations.

And this is a big enough restraint that definitely some cricketers will challenge it in Court. And when they win, it will be the end of international cricket, because ICC's NOCs even will be declared illegal.

Well i hear that since players are under contract of boards and their subordinate members this can indeed be enforced. If all boards do it then the players will have no place but to fall in line.

As someone pointed out,FIFA already has strict rules on club participation.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I don't think this will happen realistically. If it does though, we know many players would choose IPL over other leagues.

PCB has already done something along these lines. Bcci CA and ECB players will not be affected much. WI mooted this proposal and SL Zim Irl dont even have a league so they will fall in line. Thats 8-9 members out of 12.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Not exactly.

Players with contracts can be stopped from playing elsewhere.

What is illegal is a body like ICC declaring that certain individuals cannot be employed around the world or creating terms and conditions.

Country boards make up ICC. So if the boards decide then only can ICC do it. So boards will stop their contracted players.

Also as the rule is you need a NoC from your board for 5 years from retirement, so that wont help either.

 

[cricketjoshila]

So this means Big Bash, PSL, Natwest, CPL and BPL wont have a lot of players left if any. E.g Joefra Archer will play Natwest and IPL, Rashid Khan will play Afghani T20 league and IPL etc.

Nah! Dont think so this idea going anywhere. It is going to cost a player like ABD around $8,00,000 $10,00,000 every year considering he would have in around 4 leagues other than IPL. In 5 years when he will be around 38, 39 he will miss potential earnings of around $40,00,000 to $50,00,000. Thats a huge number. Players are gonna go to courts for this.

Comparing it with football is not a valid comparison as the season of one league lasts almost half a year and there is a lot more money involved.

8mn to 10mn usd? Which leagues pay a mn dollar USD as salary except IPL?

I doubt anyother league even pays $500k.

 

[Abdullah719]

8mn to 10mn usd? Which leagues pay a mn dollar USD as salary except IPL?

I doubt anyother league even pays $500k.

It is going to cost a player like ABD around $8,00,000 $10,00,000 every year considering he would have in around 4 leagues other than IPL.

800k - 1mn

 

[HitWicket]

And this is a big enough restraint that definitely some cricketers will challenge it in Court. And when they win, it will be the end of international cricket, because ICC's NOCs even will be declared illegal.

Has there ever actually been a case of a player not under contractfailing to get an NOC?

 

[Abdul]

This is going to severely hurt PSL. Let's see how PCB likes it now.

 

[cricketjoshila]

800k - 1mn

Oh ok. My mistake.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

People who are saying that cricket should be more like football are forgetting that football is a global sport which is played in hundreds of countries.Hence there are a lot more players to choose from.Also,football leagues run for around 8-9 months,unlike cricket in which the longest league runs for 2 months.

So,in football,clubs can afford to sign up a player to play for them only,while it doesn't make sense for cricket.

 

[emranabbas]

I say scrap all these leagues they are pointless imo

 

[Kaptan]

Will be good for Average / Below Average players.
Now they will get more opportunities to play in leagues like PSL, BPL & CPL because there will be less competition from Above average players.

 

[JattMaula]

Will be good for Average / Below Average players.
Now they will get more opportunities to play in leagues like PSL, BPL & CPL because there will be less competition from Above average players.

Good point. It will help associate cricketers earn some extra money. ICC should immediately deploy this rule.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Will be good for Average / Below Average players.
Now they will get more opportunities to play in leagues like PSL, BPL & CPL because there will be less competition from Above average players.

Why can't IPL give them opportunities?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

I really hope this news is true.

It’s about time to put the brakes on these pyjama cricket leagues around the world.

Doing nothing means accepting the damage already done to International cricket.

I don’t blame the players but as a cricket fan it’s incredibly disappointing to see someone like AB retiring so early from International cricket.

Something has to be done right now.

Damage has already been done.

 

[JattMaula]

Why can't IPL give them opportunities?

Great Idea. But for that we need to increase the number of teams and maybe start a level 2 ipl with promotion and demotion.

 

[hadi123]

ICC chiefs mull T20 leagues dilemma

James Sutherland and counterparts from around the world are in Ireland for the International Cricket Council's annual conference, with the proliferation of Twenty20 leagues among the many posers they'll seek to solve.

As banned stars Steve Smith and David Warner take their first steps towards redemption in Canada, Cricket Australia chief executive Sutherland and co will debate the sport's problems in Dublin.

Harsher penalties for ball tampering and a points system for the new Test championship are likely to be rubber stamped but much discussion will centre on how best to manage domestic T20 leagues.

The new Global T20 has proven a timely godsend for Smith and Warner, but some of the other talent in Toronto are faces of the challenge confronting administrators.

Joining Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Sunil Narine and other regulars on the T20 circuit is Zimbabwean Sikandar Raza.

Raza's decision to play for the Montreal Tigers instead of representing his country against Australia makes an awful lot of financial sense, especially given Zimbabwe Cricket is yet to pay some players owed income that dates back almost a year.

It also underlines some of the risks involved with new T20 competitions "bobbing up all over the place", as Sutherland put it earlier this month.

"They need to be managed and regulated in such a way that the best cricketers still want to play international cricket. They aspire to that and they're incentivised to do that," Sutherland said, having been part of an ICC working group tasked with establishing how best to do that.

"We don't want to make it too easy for them to exit (international cricket) prematurely.

"I know it's top of mind for ICC."

Next year's JLT Sheffield Shield final is expected to overlap with the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

If any Australians are affected by the clash, they're likely to arrive in India late - as Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell did this year because of the former's wedding.

One mooted solution is for leagues to pay a fee to international players' home boards.

The IPL is the only T20 tournament that currently does this but it is also the only domestic league that benefits from a gap in the international calendar.

Restricting participation, such as by capping the number of leagues a cricketer can take part in, has also been floated but that would be met with stern opposition from players and players' unions.

https://www.cricket.com.au/news/icc...ing-t20-leagues-twenty20-franchise/2018-06-28

 

[Ahsanax]

FICA Responds to Outcomes of ICC Board Meeting
Sanctioning of Events & Player Release

In light of recent developments cricket is in need of a regulatory framework which recognises all elements of the global game and which will be effective now and in the future. In establishing this framework, FICA believes that the following should be recognised:

International cricket and Domestic T20 are both good for the game and are integral parts of the game’s future.

Domestic T20 is growing the game globally with fans and providing opportunity for players. International cricket needs to be strong and attract the best players. Establishing an appropriate balance between the two is critical for the future.

Cricket’s focus should be less on restricting players from playing where they are valued and more on positive measures to ensure an attractive system including in relation to scheduling, economic models and the creation of world class environments.

The movement of players is a fundamental aspect of growing and developing the game globally in both existing and new markets.

FICA is concerned that the narrowly defined objectives for a regulatory framework published by the ICC will not set the game up appropriately for the direction in which it is moving. If regulation is not effective it will not have the desired outcome, so this is as important for the future of international cricket as it is for the entire game. FICA has proposed broader and additional objectives based on a global vision. FICA believes that objectives must also include reference to the players’ fundamental employment rights, including players being able to play where they are valued.

FICA is further concerned at reports following the ICC meetings that blanket regulation is to be introduced to restrict players to playing in three T20 leagues and believes that any arbitrary restriction is likely to constitute a restraint of trade in most countries. Any regulations should be designed to minimise the likelihood of successful legal challenge.

“FICA believes that a fit-for-purpose global regulatory framework is necessary,” said FICA Executive Chairman, Tony Irish. “We will however continue to oppose blanket or arbitrary restrictive measures imposed on players without agreement. We urge the ICC to resolve imbalances and tensions caused by the structure of the game, scheduling and game economics through positive measures which will also allow the game to grow globally. FICA wants to be part of this endeavour.”

Code of Conduct

FICA supports holistic measures to protect the spirit and integrity of the game.

The ICC has predominantly focused on increasing its ability to punitively punish players, to the exclusion of more holistic or industry wide measures that FICA believes would be most effective. FICA is concerned that some of the ICC’s measures also reduce players’ access to a fair hearing which becomes even more important when punishments are significantly increased.

In developing the game’s response to the issue of player behaviour, FICA encourages the ICC to also consider mechanisms to ensure that cricket officials are also held to the same standard of behaviour as the players.

Elements of the more holistic measures which FICA has proposed include:
Conducting a thorough collaborative review and simplification process to bring the Code of Conduct to life

Adopting one set of laws, rules or charter for all players and officials

Sanctions which focus on rehabilitation and education, not just punishment

Greater clarity, education and training regarding the Code and Spirit of Cricket for players and officials, including targeted campaigns, as have been successfully used in other sports

Mechanisms to ensure greater consistency in the application of the Spirit of Cricket and Code of Conduct
Consideration of how the game deals with the principle of “double jeopardy” where an issue has already been dealt with under a global code

“FICA will continue to urge the ICC to look to these wider measures to effectively deal with conduct across the entire game,” said Irish.

 

[JattMaula]

"A fit-for-purpose global regulatory framework is necessary"

That's what ICC is trying to do u idiot. Instead of just opposing whatever ICC is doing to keep international cricket alive u want no regulations. Just 12 months of domestic t20. Be careful of what u wish for. U just might get it.

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Meh who cares about FICA, it's made by the players for their personal interest. What they care is irrelevant.

For the first time, I am happy about something ICC is planning to do.

The way they are going seems like they have a long term plan on growing the game, using T20I's as the premiere format. You can see the changes already being implemented swiftly.

1) Reducing 50 over world cup to 10 teams, making it an irrelevant event outside of the major nations.

2) Talks of increasing the 16-team WT20 in 2020 to 18 or 20 are going on.

3) For whatever reasons T20Is are now called IT20, maybe a marketing call.

4) Handing out International T20 status to over a 100 countries.

5) Capping ODI's to a maximum of 3 per series and increasing T20s to upto 5.

6) Talks of Champions Trophy being made into a T20 tournament.

7) Pushing for 2024 Olympics.

8) And about time they regulate leagues before it goes out of hand. You have unknown leagues popping in and out. Which isn't good for the game, also provides an easy chance for fixers to use small tournaments like Al Jazeera showed.

 

[MenInG]

ICC PLAYING CONDITIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Monday, 03 September 2018

The ICC have advised us as follows of the standard playing conditions for all international cricket as applicable from September 30 2018.

The changes are very minor as follows:


Clauses 11.4 (ODI), 11.7 and 12.8 (Tests) - If a result is imminent, extra time can be requested so the match can be concluded before a scheduled interval.

Clause 19 (Test, ODI and T20I) - Unless the boundary is the maximum 90 yards from the centre of the pitch, the boundary rope cannot be any more than 10 yards from the edge of the available playing area.


In addition there is a clarification to Clause 21.12 with a new sentence added which MCC has said was an oversight when the new Laws were introduced last October. The revoking of the No ball should only be done in situations where the bowler dropped the ball or didn’t deliver it. If the ball is delivered ‘normally’ and then something happens that makes it become dead, the No ball should still count.

These playing conditions are dated and are effective from30th September 2018 which is the start of the series between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

thank god for the boundary rule.

 

[giri26]

This will not affect Indian players as they play only in IPL.

 

[RainMan_]

Pathetic. This will destroy all the other t20 leagues. Don't really know where did icc get the idea of such a ridiculous rule.

 

[Oligochaetes]

The move was necessitated following major boards' complaint that their players are preferring overseas tournaments like Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), Pakistan Super League (PSL) etc to international cricket.

BCCI is the least likely to complain as their players dont play elsewhere other than English county. I bet West Indies will be the main complainant.

 

[topspin]

Boundary rule was much needed. This will benefit the Asian cricketers more because they don't have as many batters who are as strong and big hitting compared to their SENA and WI contemporaries.

I'm curious to know if someone knows on average how many yards roughly have boundaries been brought back on average in the current big scoring ODI era? Just so we can tell if the 10 yard rule will make much difference.