T20 leagues mushroom across globe, cricket going football way

With the number of domestic and franchise T20 leagues mushrooming across the globe over past few years, the annual cricket calendar has become more congested than ever.

If we consider the itinerary of Team India, post a two-month-long IPL season, the Men in Blue featured in a five-match home series against South Africa within a week. It was swiftly followed by two T20Is in Ireland and then three T20Is and as many ODIs against England. 

India will then play three ODIs and five T20Is in West Indies, three ODIs in Zimbabwe, the Asia Cup and then the T20 World Cup. Even after the World Cup, India is scheduled to travel to New Zealand for a white-ball series.

The Indian players do not play in domestic leagues outside of IPL but cricketers of other countries across the globe do participate in a number of leagues. The emerging situation has certainly posed as a tough task for ICC and individual boards to schedule bilateral series. If pushed, the leagues no doubt will prevail over the bilaterals.

South Africa has recently withdrawn from their ODI series in Australia as it clashes with their new T20 franchise league. With the mushrooming T20 franchise leagues encroaching on the already-packed international schedule, and with the backing and the interest of money bags, this wasn’t a surprise.

Still, South Africa’s withdrawal stands out for the risks entailed as they have put their direct qualification to the 50-over ODI world cup next year at risk. They stand to lose valuable points due to the withdrawal. 

Economics is the decider and IPL and other franchise leagues generate a major chunk of the profits that pump the game across the globe. Right from player earnings to media rights to the share of local boards and cricket associations, the leagues don’t just surpass the bilateral series but the World Cups as well.

Cricket is mainly an international contest-driven game. But that might have to change for the sake of the international game. Former India coach Ravi Shastri’s suggestion of cricket taking a leaf out of football’s book sounds natural. Leagues such as IPL are already looking to extend their window in the annual calendar. 

The number of women cricket leagues across the world isn’t that many. But the situation seems to be changing fast with the BCCI and Pakistan Cricket Board looking to work towards Women’s IPL and PSL.

Moreover, many experts including former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha have expressed their concern about the future of ODI cricket. Following the announcement of retirement from ODI by England all-rounder Ben Stokes, they have become apprehensive about the future of the 50 over format.

Given the current turn of events, the game will become more diverse and inclusive. As a result a number of cricketers from the Associate nations will get opportunities to establish themselves by playing alongside some great players of the game.

T20 extravaganza never ends

July 2022

T20 Blast (England)
SCL (Afghanistan)

August 2022

SCL (Afghanistan)
The Hundred (England)
LPL (Sri Lanka)

September 2022

The Hundred (England)
CPL (West Indies)
 

October 2022
CPL (West Indies)|

November 2022

Super Smash (New Zealand)

December 2022

Super Smash (New Zealand)
Big Bash (Australia)

January 2023

Super Smash (New Zealand)
Big Bash (Australia)
BPL (Bangladesh)
UAE T20 (UAE)

February 2023

BPL (Bangladesh)
UAE T20 (UAE)
PSL (Pakistan)
MSL (South Africa)

March 2023

PSL (Pakistan)
IPL (India)
 

April 2023
IPL (India)
 

May 2023
IPL (India)