The boom in franchise cricket is forcing the ICC to make arrangements for a crowded calendar

Concerned by the rapid proliferation of T20 franchise leagues around the world, the ICC Council approved the formation of a dedicated committee to examine how franchise cricket can co-exist 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 Program (FTP). The matter has gained urgency as franchise leagues continue to proliferate in cricket markets.

Apart from the IPL, the cricket calendar is occupied by major tournament windows such as SA20, ILT20, Big Bash League (BBL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), The Hundred and Caribbean Premier League (CPL), while the European T20 Premier League is set to launch later this year. RCB successfully defend their IPL title (Photo Reuters)

“The board has expressed concern over the growing expansion of franchise cricket and has decided to form a committee to assess the harmonization of franchise cricket with the international calendar under the current structure,” the ICC said in a statement.

The governing body has long struggled to balance player availability, national commitments and the commercial growth of franchise competitions. Previous discussions within ICC committees have included proposals to limit the number of leagues a player can participate in during a season, while ensuring international commitments remain a 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

Heinrich Klaasen has retired from international cricket while continuing to play franchise cricket (Photo: Screen Grab from X)

Recent years have seen several notable players leave international cricket to focus on franchise opportunities. West Indies batsman Nicholas Pooran has retired from international cricket before turning 30, while South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen also opted out of national duty despite remaining one of the most sought-after T20 players in the world.

Former West Indies opener Sunil Narine similarly spent much of his career prioritizing franchise commitments over representing his national side.

With new leagues emerging and existing tournaments expanding, the ICC fears that an uncontrolled franchise calendar could further undermine bilateral cricket and complicate planning within the FTP. The exception remains India, where the BCCI continues to ban its contracted first-class cricketers from overseas T20 leagues.

The newly formed committee is expected to explore mechanisms that can protect international cricket while recognizing the growing importance of franchise tournaments in the sport’s global ecosystem.

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Published on:

02 Jun 2026 09:16 IST