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T20 Champions League set for comeback as Test cricket feels the heat: Report
The first edition of Champions League T20 was played from 2009 to 2014. Image: Chennai IPL
The International Cricket Council (ICC) AGM in Singapore that ended on 20 July could prove to be one of the most important in the history of the sport, as the world governing body is reportedly mulling over limiting the number of Test-playing nations and the Champions League T20 (CLT20) may soon make a comeback.
The reduction in the number of Test-playing nations and the possible return of a T20 competition that would feature teams from different franchise leagues underlines the direction cricket is taking, where the shortest format of the game is soon going to be the sole leader and the international calendar may also witness massive changes to adjust for a large number of franchise tournaments.
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Champions League T20 set for comeback
As per a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, several influential boards called for the Champions League T20 to be revived. The CLT20, which is based on the concept of the UEFA Champions League, was played from 2009 to 2014 before being closed down due to a lack of financial returns.
However, the massive rise in franchise leagues across the world and the immense popularity of the T20 format have made the richest cricket boards feel that now is the right time to relaunch the league.
ICC, however, will have a tough task in laying out clear rules for the tournament as the most popular players often take part in multiple leagues and play for different teams across the year. It will be interesting to see how the ICC decides which team a player will represent in the CLT20.
The major decision regarding the financing of the CLT20 is still pending, but there are enough signs that the boards want the tournament to make a return.
Test cricket faces the heat
Meanwhile, Test cricket's future could take a hit with the return of CLT20. The SMH report added that the ICC is thinking about cutting down the number of Test-playing nations from 2027. A new working group has been given the task of making a possible roadmap by the end of 2025.
The ICC working group could include new ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta and will be headed by president Jay Shah, has been tasked with recommending a roadmap by the end of the year.
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