The International Cricket Council’s (ICC) ambitious World Club Championship, aimed at bringing the world’s top-performing T20 franchises together, is set to redefine the global cricketing calendar. However, despite their recent triumphs, IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Pakistan Super League (PSL) winners Lahore Qalandars are unlikely to feature in the tournament’s inaugural edition. Fans across India and Pakistan have reacted with disappointment and confusion as to why their champion franchises will miss out on this global spectacle.
Understanding the World Club Championship concept
The proposed World Club Championship is a biennial ICC-backed tournament designed to pit the best T20 franchises against each other. The concept is similar to football’s FIFA Club World Cup, which brings continental club champions onto a single global stage. According to internal discussions, the top teams from major T20 leagues such as IPL, BBL, CPL, PSL, SA20, The Hundred, and UAE’s ILT20 will participate.
The objectives of the championship are:
- Strengthening the global T20 franchise ecosystem
- Increasing cross-border fan engagement
- Driving broadcasting and sponsorship revenues
- Creating global rivalries among franchises to supplement national team rivalries
Why RCB and Lahore Qalandars are unlikely to participate
Despite RCB lifting their maiden IPL title and Lahore Qalandars being a PSL powerhouse, both teams are expected to miss out due to:
- Scheduling conflicts with national boards’ commitments
The packed cricket calendar in India and Pakistan makes it difficult for the BCCI and PCB to accommodate an additional franchise tournament, especially when national team series are scheduled during the same window. - Eligibility criteria favouring different IPL teams
Reports suggest that the IPL is likely to send its highest-ranked team in the two-year points aggregate system rather than the latest season winner, to ensure stability and brand value for broadcasters and sponsors. This is because the championship is biennial and may not align with the most recent IPL winner each time. - Commercial and broadcasting considerations
The BCCI is cautious about allowing IPL teams to participate in external ICC events which might impact its own IPL brand valuation or broadcasting exclusivity. Historically, India has preferred to protect its domestic product from dilution in global leagues. - PCB’s financial and political constraints
For Lahore Qalandars, PCB’s concerns revolve around securing broadcasting revenue share, team security clearances, and franchise equity participation norms that the ICC may impose for the World Club Championship.
Proposed structure of the World Club Championship
| Format | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Biennial (once every two years) |
| Duration | 10-14 days |
| Number of teams | 8-12 franchises |
| Tournament phases | Group stage + semifinals + final |
| Host rotation | Across different T20-playing countries |
Likely participating franchises in inaugural edition
| League | Likely Franchise |
|---|---|
| IPL | Chennai Super Kings / Mumbai Indians |
| BBL | Perth Scorchers |
| CPL | Trinbago Knight Riders |
| PSL | Multan Sultans (if Lahore Qalandars unavailable) |
| SA20 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape |
| ILT20 | Gulf Giants |
| The Hundred | Oval Invincibles |
| Bangladesh Premier League | Comilla Victorians |
These selections are based on their recent consistency, brand value, and the boards’ willingness to release them for external ICC events.
Stakeholders’ concerns and negotiations
The BCCI remains non-committal as participation requires a portion of broadcasting rights revenue to be shared with ICC, which it perceives as undermining IPL’s sovereign commercial rights. Furthermore, player workload is a central concern, especially for India’s centrally contracted cricketers who are part of IPL franchises.
For PCB, security clearances for Lahore Qalandars to play in UAE or India remain a grey area. PCB’s financial demands regarding franchise compensation also delay final approvals.
Fan reactions and social media backlash
Fans of RCB and Lahore Qalandars took to social media expressing disappointment. Many Bengaluru supporters termed it ‘unfair’ as RCB waited 16 seasons to finally lift the IPL trophy, only to be denied a world stage appearance. Lahore fans, known for their passionate loyalty, criticised PCB’s inability to protect their franchise interests.
Trending hashtags:
- #JusticeForRCB
- #QalandarsDeserveWorldStage
- #WorldClubChampionship
Expert opinions
Former IPL COO Sundar Raman:
“The concept is brilliant commercially, but unless national boards align their scheduling priorities, top franchises like RCB or Lahore Qalandars will continue to miss out despite fan expectations.”
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq:
“If Lahore Qalandars miss out, it is a loss for global cricket fans. Franchise tournaments should allow the actual winners to participate, not just those commercially convenient.”
ICC’s roadmap and possible solutions
To address stakeholder pushbacks, ICC is working on:
- Revenue sharing models that compensate boards adequately
- Scheduling windows that do not clash with international bilateral series
- Allowing franchise owners to directly negotiate broadcasting revenue shares under ICC regulatory oversight
- Introducing rotational team participation, ensuring franchises like RCB and Qalandars get opportunities in alternate editions
The big picture – Is cricket ready for a Club World Cup?
The FIFA Club World Cup model has shown that global franchise competitions boost sport’s viewership and revenue. Cricket boards, however, have traditionally protected their domestic T20 brands from external control. The success of this championship depends on:
- Negotiated commercial structures that benefit national boards
- Player workload management protocols
- Equitable franchise selection criteria ensuring winners like RCB and Qalandars are not excluded
Summary
The inaugural World Club Championship is unlikely to feature IPL champions RCB and PSL winners Lahore Qalandars, despite their recent titles. Scheduling conflicts, eligibility criteria, and complex commercial negotiations are major roadblocks. While fans are disheartened, the ICC remains optimistic about resolving stakeholder concerns to ensure the globalisation of franchise cricket is inclusive and representative.
Disclaimer: This news article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute official confirmation from the ICC, BCCI, or PCB. Tournament structures, team participations, and schedules remain subject to formal announcements by the respective governing bodies.
