A new dawn for club cricket may be on the cards, as discussions gain momentum over reviving a global T20 club tournament—this time in the form of a “World Club Championship”. The tournament, reminiscent of the now-defunct Champions League Twenty20, is being considered as the next major step in the evolution of franchise cricket, according to Richard Gould, Chief Executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Gould revealed that plans are underway to launch a tournament that would bring together the world’s best franchise teams in both men’s and women’s cricket. “It’s definitely part of our planning,” Gould said. “At some point, there will undoubtedly be a World Club Championship for both men and women. It’s the logical next step.”
The concept is not entirely new. Between 2009 and 2014, the Champions League Twenty20 was staged jointly by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA), and Cricket South Africa (CSA). Touted as the club cricket equivalent of UEFA’s Champions League, it brought together top-performing teams from various domestic T20 leagues.
However, the tournament struggled to capture the imagination of fans. With poor stadium attendances, lukewarm broadcaster interest, and a lack of consistent commercial backing, the event was discontinued after six editions.
Gould, who served as Chief Executive of Somerset County Cricket Club when the inaugural edition took place in 2009, believes the tournament may simply have arrived too soon. Somerset famously beat IPL champions Deccan Chargers in their opening match that year. “That tournament was ahead of its time,” he reflected. “It didn’t quite align with the commercial expectations, but it was a very good concept.”
The landscape of global cricket has shifted significantly since then. The Indian Premier League, which launched in 2008, has become the sport’s financial powerhouse. Its influence has led to the rise of franchise leagues in virtually every cricket-playing nation.
Back then, IPL sides were given three to four spots in the Champions League Twenty20—much like how top clubs from Europe’s strongest leagues dominate the UEFA Champions League. But unlike football’s showpiece, the cricket version failed to maintain lasting appeal.
Now, the idea of a global club competition is gaining renewed relevance. The FIFA Club World Cup is expanding to 32 teams this month in the United States, while rugby is also set to launch its own club World Cup from 2028. Cricket could soon follow suit.
Yet, reviving such a tournament presents logistical hurdles. The international and franchise cricket calendars are more congested than ever. There’s also the matter of franchise ownership: eight of the 10 IPL teams—and four of the five WPL (Women’s Premier League) franchises—are owned by groups with stakes in multiple leagues worldwide. Their buy-in will be essential.
A smaller-scale attempt at a global franchise competition began last year with the Global Super League (GSL), hosted in Guyana. The tournament featured five teams from five different countries, with Bangladesh’s Rangpur Riders emerging as champions.
The second edition of the GSL is scheduled to take place from 10 to 18 July, once again in Guyana. Rangpur Riders will return to defend their title, facing off against ILT20 champions Dubai Capitals, Big Bash League winners Hobart Hurricanes, New Zealand’s Super Smash holders Central Stags, and Caribbean Premier League hosts Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Whether the World Club Championship materialises or not, the growing appetite for a unifying tournament that pits the best of global franchise cricket against one another is undeniable. The next few years could determine if this vision finally takes shape—and if so, which leagues and teams will claim their place on the world stage.