In what could be a historic revival for franchise cricket, reports suggest that the Champions League T20 (CLT20) – last held in 2014 – is being considered for a comeback under a new global banner titled the World Club Championship, potentially as early as 2026. This tournament aims to bring together top T20 franchises from leading cricket nations, setting the stage for Virat Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to potentially face Babar Azam’s Peshawar Zalmi, rekindling the intense India-Pakistan cricket rivalry at the club level.
Background: What Was Champions League T20?
The CLT20, jointly organised by BCCI, Cricket Australia, and Cricket South Africa from 2008-2014, featured champion teams from the IPL, Big Bash, CPL, and domestic leagues of South Africa, New Zealand, and West Indies. It was discontinued in 2015 due to low viewership and scheduling challenges.
Why The Revival Now?
According to sources in BCCI and ICC:
- Explosive Global T20 Growth: The success of T20 leagues like IPL, PSL, BBL, SA20, and ILT20 has made a global franchise tournament commercially attractive.
- Increased Fan Demand: Fans are eager to see star-studded teams like RCB, Mumbai Indians, Lahore Qalandars, and Sydney Sixers clash on an international stage.
- ICC Backing: ICC reportedly plans to brand it as a World Club Championship, with a structured window avoiding bilateral clashes and ensuring top player availability.
Potential Format and Teams
While the official structure is yet to be finalised, sources indicate:
- 8-12 teams from IPL, PSL, BBL, CPL, SA20, ILT20, and LPL.
- Top two franchises from each league.
- Group stage + semi-finals + final format over 3 weeks.
- Possible venues: UAE, India, or a rotational hosting model.
Possible Mega Fixtures
| Fixture | Key Stars |
|---|---|
| RCB vs Peshawar Zalmi | Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis vs Babar Azam, Rovman Powell |
| Mumbai Indians vs Lahore Qalandars | Rohit Sharma, Bumrah vs Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman |
| Sydney Sixers vs Gujarat Titans | Josh Philippe vs Shubman Gill, Rashid Khan |
Babar Azam vs Virat Kohli: A Fan Dream
The biggest highlight would be RCB vs Peshawar Zalmi, pitting Kohli and Babar – two modern batting icons – against each other:
- Virat Kohli: 7,500+ IPL runs, RCB’s batting mainstay since 2008.
- Babar Azam: PSL’s leading run-getter for Zalmi, captain and consistent match-winner.
Their duel would echo the India-Pakistan rivalry, drawing massive global TRPs and digital viewership.
Reactions from Cricket Fraternity
Mike Hesson (Former RCB Director)
“It’s a brilliant idea. Fans want franchise rivalries to go global. Kohli vs Babar will sell out any stadium in hours.”
Ramiz Raja (Former PCB Chairman)
“Pakistan franchises and players have shown world-class T20 performances. Such a platform is great for cricket diplomacy too.”
Simon Doull (Commentator)
“CLT20 was ahead of its time. Now the market is ready with stronger leagues, fanbases, and broadcast models.”
Why It Matters for Global Cricket
- Strengthens Club Brand Value: Players become global franchise stars beyond national teams.
- Commercial Boost: Increases broadcast rights, sponsorship, and digital engagement revenue streams.
- Cross-Cultural Impact: Creates new rivalries and fan connect between leagues and nations.
Previous CLT20 Indian Winners
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | Warriors |
| 2011 | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| 2013 | Mumbai Indians | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2014 | Chennai Super Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders |
Challenges Ahead
While optimism is high, hurdles remain:
- Scheduling: Aligning international calendars to create a window.
- Player Workload: Avoiding burnout amid packed T20 leagues and ICC tournaments.
- Bilateral Tensions: Ensuring smooth participation of Pakistani teams in India and vice versa.
Final Takeaway
The proposed World Club Championship could transform franchise cricket by creating a true club world cup. For fans, the prospect of seeing Virat Kohli’s RCB face off against Babar Azam’s Zalmi is a dream clash, uniting the cricket world in unparalleled excitement. As talks progress, an official announcement is expected later this year, possibly during the ICC Annual Conference.
Disclaimer: Details are based on early reports from BCCI and ICC discussions. Final format, teams, and dates will be confirmed upon formal announcement by governing bodies. Stay tuned for updates on your favourite cricket platforms.
