Cricket could be on the verge of major structural changes, with the ICC currently discussing two game-changing developments: a potential revival of the Champions League T20 (CLT20) and a possible cap on the number of Test-playing nations.
According to The Sydney Morning Herald, several powerful cricket boards have thrown their weight behind relaunching the CLT20 as early as September 2026. The tournament, last held in 2014, brought together top T20 franchises from around the world in a format inspired by UEFA’s Champions League.
The original edition was scrapped a decade ago due to financial challenges and broadcaster exit, but with the explosive rise of global franchise leagues, the timing for a comeback now appears right. However, the new version will face fresh hurdles — particularly around player eligibility, as franchise ownerships and player contracts now overlap across countries and leagues. Funding, scheduling, and format details are still under discussion.
In contrast to the glitz of T20 cricket’s growth, Test cricket may be in for a contraction. The ICC is reportedly considering limiting the number of countries that play Test cricket, a move that could dramatically reshape the traditional format.
A special working group — led by BCCI secretary Jay Shah and ICC’s new chief executive Sanjog Gupta — is expected to submit recommendations by the end of the year.
Gupta, speaking at Lord’s last year during an MCC panel, hinted at the shift in cricket’s direction:
“You have to make hard choices. There is enough data to suggest what direction the game is going in. If you continue to serve a product that no one wants… the ecosystem around it will continue to suffer. Blackberry disappeared at some point — it was replaced by another product.”
While the T20 format is clearly driving commercial momentum, traditionalists will be watching closely to see how these discussions reshape cricket’s core identity.
