Champions League T20 (CLT20), a fan favorite, is making a high-profile return in 2026 as the newly branded World Club Championship (WCC). The competition will feature leading franchise teams from top T20 leagues worldwide in a global showcase.
A Brief History: From CLT20 to WCC
Champions League T20 ran from 2009 to 2014, featuring top T20 domestic champions. It was discontinued in 2015 due to:
- Low television ratings
- Lack of sponsorship
- Scheduling conflicts
- The revival taps into today’s massive T20 fanbase and booming franchise ecosystem.
Backed by Global Cricket Powerhouses
The World Club Championship has strong backing from major cricketing bodies:
- Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)
- England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
- ICC Chairman Jay Shah
Without doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship for both men and women, said ECB CEO Richard Gould, confirming their intent.
What’s New in the 2026 Edition?
- Rebranded Format
- The tournament will be known as the World Club Championship, not CLT20.
- It aims to include both men’s and women’s franchise champions.
Expected Participating Leagues
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Big Bash League (BBL)
- Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- SA20 (South Africa)
- The Hundred (England)
- ILT20 (UAE)
- Major League Cricket (USA)
- The ECB is lobbying for The Hundred champions to be included instead of T20 Blast winners.
Format & Schedule (Tentative)
- Expected team count: 8 to 12 franchises
- Likely to follow a group + knockout format
- Match window: To be finalized, but expected to be during a lull in the global cricket calendar
Key Challenges Ahead
- Scheduling Conflicts: Aligning a window in the already packed calendar
- Player Workload: Balancing national and league commitments
- Revenue Sharing: Clear financial model needed among boards and franchises
- Multi-League Ownership: IPL team owners own franchises across other leagues, raising potential conflicts
Why Now?
- Rise of successful leagues like SA20, ILT20, and MLC
- High global fan engagement in franchise cricket
- Commercial viability through broadcast and sponsorship deals
- Opportunity to emulate football’s UEFA Champions League
Final Thoughts
The return of CLT20 as the World Club Championship is a bold step toward unifying global T20 cricket. With support from major boards and franchises, the 2026 edition could mark a new era in international club competition. If executed well, the WCC could become the premier event in franchise cricket, elevating both the sport and its global appeal.
Written by RITESH SINGH
