The franchise leagues are rapidly overshadowing international cricket, which is evident from the fact that the 2024 cricket calendar that vividly highlights the growing dominance of franchise leagues over international cricket.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) kicked off in March 2024 and ran until the end of May, thus setting the stage for the T20 World Cup. Soon after the World Cup was concluded in July, a flurry of franchise tournaments took over: Lanka Premier League (LPL) in Sri Lanka, Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States of America, and The Hundred in the United Kingdom.
By August, Caribbean Premier League (CPL) in the West Indies picked up the baton, extending the franchise frenzy until October. For nearly 50 days afterward, international cricket had a rare opportunity to shine, with bilateral series taking centre stage.
However, the break was short-lived. December saw the return of franchise action with Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) in Bangladesh, which will continue into February.
To add to the packed schedule, the SA20 in South Africa and The International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) both began in January, racing to wrap up before the Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off in Pakistan next month.
In April and May, the PSL—postponed from its original February-March window due to the Champions Trophy 2025—will run alongside the IPL, creating a packed cricket calendar. For the first time in history, the concept of a freelance cricketer is truly gaining momentum. Recent retirements of Pakistani players Muhammad Amir and Imad Wasim highlight this trend, as they transition to careers focused on franchise leagues.
Similarly, most West Indian players have embraced freelancing by stepping away from full-time international cricket. This shift allows players to either retire from international cricket entirely or specialise in one format—red-ball or white-ball—while enjoying the flexibility to participate in both leagues and select international fixtures.
As long as their fitness remain intact, players can extend their careers through this lucrative freelancing model. David Warner, who recently retired, exemplified this demand, being a hot commodity in the latest PSL draft.
Why Franchise Cricket is Successful?
International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments are highly in the cricketing world. They are not only a source of immense revenue for cricket boards but also events that no team dares to boycott.
The One Day International (ODI) World Cup occurs every four years, the T20 World Cup every two years, while the recently introduced World Test Championship (WTC) spans a two-year cycle.
When these major tournaments are not taking place, bilateral series have traditionally filled the calendar since cricket’s inception. However, these series often lack a broader context or qualification stakes, making them less appealing to anyone beyond the cricket enthusiasts of the two competing nations.
In contrast, franchise cricket offers a structured and engaging format. Take PSL, for instance. With six teams representing major cities, each franchise boasts a distinctive identity, complete with a core group of players, unique uniforms, anthem songs, brand values, game philosophies, celebrity ambassadors, and a passionate fan-base. This setup fosters a sense of local or regional pride.
Observing the crowd and social media trends reveals that matches like Lahore Qalandars versus Karachi Kings are as intense as the legendary Pakistan versus India rivalry.
Unlike the rare PAK versus IND clashes confined to ICC events, PSL guarantees at least two Lahore versus Karachi matches every season, with a possible third encounter in the knockout stages, keeping fans eagerly engaged.
If 15 Pakistani players participate in the ILT20, a significant portion of Pakistani cricket fans would likely prioritise watching this league over a bilateral series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Similarly, if the BBL showcases high-quality competition and outstanding performances from local players, viewers will gravitate toward it. This shift in audience preference is what fuels new narratives, highlighting how franchise tournaments increasingly overshadow traditional international bilateral series.
“T20 leagues are a threat to international cricket. The power of the leagues is growing year by year. I think it’s important that in future you try and see how it’s possible that both [franchise and international] cricket can co-exist,” said former Protea skipper Faf du Plessis.
Impact on International cricket
Boards with limited financial resources are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their top players fully committed to international cricket. For instance, during New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan in April last year, 13 of their best players opted for the IPL, forcing the team to rely on a second-string squad to face Pakistan on their home turf.
Similarly, in January 2024, when New Zealand toured South Africa, the SA20 league was about to commence, leaving Cricket South Africa with no choice but to field players who were not part of the Test series. This trend has led to a decline in the quality, viewership, and overall significance of bilateral series, as the allure of high-profile franchise leagues continues to grow.
Several IPL franchises, which also own teams in leagues like SA20, ILT20, and MLC, are reportedly offering players contracts that require full dedication to their teams, effectively sidelining international cricket. While this approach hasn’t gained significant traction yet, it is likely to become a more prominent option for players in the near future. To retain their top talent, cricket boards must offer competitive financial incentives.
England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) Chief Executive Officer Richard Gould bluntly said, “We’re going to have to pay them more money. Our responsibility is to make sure we can compete in the global player market to ensure that our players want to play for us. But to do that, we’ve got to make sure we’ve got the financial clout to retain them.”
How International cricket can survive?
The indicators are clear: outdated, traditional formats are not the future of cricket. The game needs modernisation and T20 cricket has emerged as the perfect solution, offering fast-paced entertainment that aligns with modern preferences.
Franchise leagues, predominantly in the T20 format and even faster with T10, have further amplified cricket’s appeal.
However, the growing emphasis on T20 cricket has altered player development, with batters prioritising aggressive play over solid defensive techniques. Simultaneously, pitch conditions have evolved to make Test cricket more result-oriented. For instance, only one Test match—West Indies versus South Africa in Port of Spain—ended without a result. Yet, Test cricket has become a luxury that only rich boards can afford by subsidising it.
Even ODIs are under scrutiny, with discussions to shorten matches to 40 overs per side. Players are gravitating toward T20 cricket, driven by the lucrative opportunities offered in franchise leagues.
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle, tweeted two years ago when De Kock and Boult retired after T20 WC 2022, “The decisions that Quinton de Kock, and specifically Trent Boult, have made, point to a future of shorter international careers and more players happy to be part of the gig economy.”
The ICC, as cricket’s regulatory body, must address this pressing dilemma with a sustainable solution. Supporting financially weaker cricket boards should be a priority to ensure their active participation in the global cricket ecosystem. Introducing more ICC tournaments and competitions modelled after the Asia Cup or tri-nation series could inject new excitement into the sport.
To maintain relevance, monotonous bilateral series could be phased out, with ODI and T20 formats revamped to follow a structure similar to the World Test Championship, thereby enhancing their importance. Additionally, franchise leagues and international cricket must find a harmonious balance. This requires constructive dialogue among stakeholders to establish clear schedules and avoid conflicts. As Pete Russell aptly stated, “It’s not rocket science.”
