Alarmed by the rapid proliferation of franchise T20 leagues across the globe, the ICC Board has approved the formation of a dedicated committee to examine how franchise cricket can coexist 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 Programme (FTP). The issue has gained urgency as franchise leagues continue to multiply across cricketing markets.
Alongside the IPL, tournaments such as the SA20, ILT20, Big Bash League (BBL), Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Lanka Premier League (LPL), The Hundred and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) occupy significant windows in the cricket calendar, while the European T20 Premier League is set to launch later this year.
“The Board expressed concern regarding the growing expanse of franchise cricket and resolved to form a committee to assess the harmonisation of franchise cricket with the international calendar within the current structure,” the ICC said in a statement.
The governing body has long grappled with balancing player availability, national commitments and the commercial growth of franchise competitions. Previous discussions within ICC committees have included proposals to cap the number of leagues a player can participate in during a season while ensuring international obligations remain the priority.
