Why Champions League T20 is Cancelled? Will Champions League T20 Return?
by Abinaya | Updated May 30, 2023
What is Champions League T20?
Champions League T20, also known as CLT20, was an annual international Twenty20 Cricket competition where qualifying domestic teams from prominent cricketing nations competed. It was inaugurated in 2008 and the first edition took place in October 2009. The tournament was a collaboration between the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Cricket Australia, and Cricket South Africa, with N.
Srinivasan served as the chairman, who was also the chairman of the ICC. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) of CLT20, as well as the IPL, was Sundar Raman. The Chennai Super Kings were the reigning champions, having won the title for the second time in 2014. The tournament spanned two to three weeks between September and October, held either in India or South Africa. It boasted a total prize pool of $6 million, with the winning team receiving a historic $2.5 million, the highest prize for a club cricket tournament.
Why Champions League T20 is Cancelled?
The cancellation of the Champions League T20 came in July 2015, following a lack of evident growth in interest. Coincidentally, this decision occurred shortly after the Indian Supreme Court's ruling on the IPL betting and spot-fixing scandal, which led to the suspension of two IPL teams. As a result, the 2015 edition of the tournament, initially scheduled for September and October, was also called off.
The intention behind the tournament was to emulate the success of the UEFA Champions League, but it failed to generate substantial interest. Although fans had the opportunity to witness top T20 cricketers competing with and against each other in a condensed format, the tournament is likely to be remembered as a promising concept on paper that ultimately fell short commercially.
Will Champions League T20 Return?
The return of the Champions League T20 has not been confirmed, but recent discussions have raised the possibility of bringing back the tournament. In 2022, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced its consideration of a new global T20 tournament, which could potentially incorporate teams from the Champions League T20.
Several factors could contribute to the revival of the Champions League T20. Firstly, the popularity of T20 cricket has experienced significant growth in recent years, leading to the emergence of new T20 leagues worldwide. This expansion has resulted in a larger pool of talented players who could participate in the Champions League T20.
Secondly, the financial situation of the ICC has improved, providing them with resources to invest in new tournaments, including the Champions League T20. Furthermore, the absence of the Champions League T20 has created a void in the global T20 calendar. Reintroducing the tournament would offer fans a fresh opportunity to witness the best T20 players from around the world competing against each other.
However, there are challenges that must be addressed for the return of the Champions League T20. The ICC would need to find ways to enhance the tournament's appeal to both fans and sponsors. This could involve making adjustments such as shortening the duration of the tournament, reducing the number of participating teams, or altering the tournament format.
Champions League T20 Players
Shane Watson
Australia
Rajasthan Royals
Player of the Tournament (2013)
Kieron Pollard
West Indies
Mumbai Indians
Most Sixes (2014, 2016)
David Warner
Australia
New South Wales
Highest Run Scorer (2011, 2012)
Lasith Malinga
Sri Lanka
Mumbai Indians
Most Wickets (2011, 2012)
Suresh Raina
India
Chennai Super Kings
Most Runs in a Single Edition (2010)
Chris Gayle
West Indies
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Fastest Century (2013)
Dwayne Bravo
West Indies
Chennai Super Kings
Most Wickets (2014)
Jacques Kallis
South Africa
Kolkata Knight Riders
Highest Individual Score (2011)
AB de Villiers
South Africa
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Most Sixes (2011)
Sunil Narine
West Indies
Kolkata Knight Riders
Best Bowling Figures (2014)
Player Name
Nationality
Team(s) Played For
Notable Achievements
