Franchise cricket growth prompts ICC committee to protect the international calendar

The ICC board has moved to address the fast growth of franchise cricket worldwide. It approved a new committee to help keep franchise leagues aligned.

The aim is to protect the existing international schedule. The decision reflects concern that more leagues could strain the current calendar structure.

In a statement, the ICC said: "The Board expressed concern regarding the growing expanse of franchise cricket and resolved to form a committee to assess the harmonisation of franchise cricket with the international calendar within the current structure, the ICC said in a statement." The committee is expected to study where balance is possible.

ICC franchise cricket and the international calendar

The global T20 league season is already crowded. The IPL uses about two months of the annual cricket window. Other major leagues include SA20, ILT20, BBL, BPL, SLPL, The Hundred, and the CPL. The European T20 Premier League is also due to start this year.

This growth has made franchise cricket a strong career choice for top T20 players. Some players now aim to work as freelancers across multiple leagues. That trend can pull players away from national teams. It also adds pressure on boards trying to plan international matches.

ICC franchise cricket impact on players and FTP

The concern is sharper for some countries, including the West Indies. The ICC sees a risk that more players may prioritise T20 contracts. Nicholas Pooran is cited as a key example. Nicholas Pooran retired from international cricket before turning 30.

South Africa has faced a similar issue with leading names in leagues. Heinrich Klaasen has performed strongly in franchise tournaments. Heinrich Klaasen has also ended a South African international career. Sunil Narine is another example mentioned, with limited interest in West Indies duty.

The spread of leagues also raises questions for the ICC Future Tours Programme. The FTP sets out bilateral series and other fixtures. More franchise windows could disrupt those plans. India stands apart, as current registered First-Class players are not allowed in other leagues.

Earlier ICC committees have already discussed checks on freelance league play. Those proposals included limiting how many leagues a player joins each season. They also stressed meeting national duties first. The newly approved committee is expected to review similar ideas within the present system.

With inputs from PTI