By Chirag - Jun 06, 2025 03:19 PM
The venerable Champions League T20 (CLT20) competition may be returning after more than ten years away. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has expressed interest in reviving the now-defunct league, this time reimagined as a global franchise tournament involving both men’s and women’s teams.
The CLT20 was a prestigious tournament that brought together top-performing T20 franchises from various domestic leagues around the world. The competition, which was co-hosted by Cricket South Africa, Cricket Australia, and the BCCI, took place between 2009 and 2014. However, due to dwindling fan interest, lack of sponsorships, and scheduling issues, the tournament was officially scrapped after a meeting held during the 2015 IPL season.
The final edition of CLT20 was played in 2014, where Chennai Super Kings defeated Kolkata Knight Riders in the summit clash held in Bengaluru. During its six-season history, Indian franchises dominated:
This day! That Year! We completed a double when we won the Champions League T20 in 2010! Frame this #Yellove moment! #WhistlePodu ?? pic.twitter.com/HWMSLrFZ6W
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) September 26, 2018
Despite a strong start, CLT20 lost momentum over the years due to:
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Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould revealed that the board is actively exploring the idea of launching a new tournament modeled on CLT20. The twist? It will potentially feature both men’s and women’s teams, reflecting the growing popularity of women’s T20 cricket globally.
"That is anticipated. There will undoubtedly be a World Club Championship for both men and women at some point. According to India Today, he stated, "That's the next logical step."
The idea is still in its early stages, but the ECB appears serious about bringing this concept to life.
The ECB is exploring the options to revive Champions League T20.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 6, 2025
ECB CEO said, "CLT20 was ahead of its time. We are looking to make it happen now". (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/yjzMEdS2Lh
In the years following CLT20’s demise, the T20 franchise ecosystem has grown tremendously. Major leagues like:
...have shown that franchise cricket is here to stay. A World Club Championship could unify these leagues under one global umbrella, giving fans a chance to see the best domestic teams compete on a world stage.
The Champions League T20 may have faded into history, but the concept behind it remains relevant today more than ever. With the ECB’s renewed interest and the global T20 ecosystem flourishing, the return of an international franchise tournament—rebranded and expanded—might just be what cricket needs next. Whether it’s called the World Club Championship or something else, its success will depend on collaboration, scheduling balance, and fan engagement across borders.
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