Boards are increasingly grappling with player workload, overlapping tournaments and the challenge of protecting international cricket’s relevance in an era when franchise competitions continue to grow in stature and commercial value. | Photo Credit: K.R. Deepak

The rapid rise of franchise cricket across the world emerged as a major talking point during the ICC Board meeting here on Sunday, with members expressing concerns about the increasingly crowded cricket calendar and its impact on the international game.

Over the last decade, T20 leagues have mushroomed across continents, transforming the sport’s financial landscape and offering players lucrative opportunities outside national commitments. While the growth has helped cricket reach new markets and audiences, it has also created scheduling challenges, with several leagues competing for the same window and placing greater demands on players.

Recognising the need to strike a balance, the ICC Board decided to establish a dedicated committee to study how franchise cricket can be better aligned with the international calendar. The committee will examine ways to harmonise the growing number of leagues with bilateral cricket and ICC events, while working within the sport’s existing structure.

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The discussion reflects a broader concern within world cricket. Boards are increasingly grappling with player workload, overlapping tournaments and the challenge of protecting international cricket’s relevance in an era when franchise competitions continue to grow in stature and commercial value.

The issue has become particularly relevant in recent years as leagues in South Africa, the UAE, the United States and elsewhere have joined established competitions such as the Indian Premier League in competing for space on an already packed calendar.

Summing up the discussions, ICC Chair Jay Shah said the Board’s deliberations had focused not only on the game’s immediate challenges but also on safeguarding its long-term future.

“Our discussions in Ahmedabad have reinforced the ICC’s commitment to governance, administration and the growth of cricket globally. From women’s cricket and emerging nations to the management of franchise competitions, today’s discussions and decisions aim to ensure that cricket remains fair, competitive, and exciting for fans worldwide,” Shah said.

Published on Jun 01, 2026