World Club Championship Cricket: The Champions League T20 Returns in 2026
Cricket fans worldwide have reason to celebrate: the much-loved Champions League T20 is set for a spectacular return in 2026, rebranded as the World Club Championship cricket tournament. This new global event will unite the champions of the world’s leading T20 franchise leagues—including the IPL, Big Bash League (BBL), and The Hundred—on a single stage for the first time in over a decade.
What is the World Club Championship Cricket?
The World Club Championship cricket is designed as the spiritual successor to the Champions League T20 (CLT20), which ran from 2009 to 2014. The new tournament will feature a similar format, bringing together title-winning teams from top T20 leagues across the globe. The aim is to create a cricketing spectacle akin to football’s UEFA Champions League, with the best club sides from different countries battling for supremacy.
Key participating leagues are expected to include:
- Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Big Bash League (BBL)
- The Hundred (England)
- Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- SA20 (South Africa)
- Potentially other emerging T20 leagues
Notably, the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is pushing for the winners of The Hundred to represent England, rather than the traditional Vitality Blast champions, reflecting a shift towards newer, more marketable formats.
Why is the Tournament Returning Now?
The original Champions League T20 was discontinued in 2015 due to declining viewership and sponsorship challenges. However, the global cricket landscape has transformed dramatically since then:
- Proliferation of Franchise Leagues: Almost every major cricketing nation now hosts its own T20 league, increasing the pool of elite teams and fan interest.
- Commercial Opportunities: The success of franchise cricket has made a world club competition more viable and attractive to broadcasters and sponsors.
- Fan Demand: Cricket fans have long desired a tournament where the best club teams from different countries can compete directly.
What to Expect from the World Club Championship Cricket
While official details are still being finalized, here’s what’s known so far:
- Format: The tournament will closely mirror the old CLT20 structure, with league winners facing off in a group and knockout format.
- Teams: Champions from IPL, BBL, The Hundred, PSL, SA20, and possibly others.
- Gender Inclusion: There is strong momentum to include both men’s and women’s teams in future editions, reflecting the growth of women’s franchise cricket.
- Timing: The inaugural edition is targeted for 2026, with exact dates to be confirmed.
- Governing Support: The tournament has backing from major cricket boards (BCCI, ECB, Cricket Australia) and ICC chairman Jay Shah.
Why This Matters
The World Club Championship cricket could be a game-changer, finally delivering a true global club competition for cricket. For fans, it promises:
- The chance to see IPL, BBL, and The Hundred champions face off.
- Fresh matchups and rivalries between teams and players who rarely meet.
- A showcase for the best talent in franchise cricket, both men and women.
The return of the World Club Championship cricket marks a new era for club cricket, promising high-octane action and global rivalries. Stay tuned for updates as the world’s best T20 teams prepare to battle for ultimate bragging rights in 2026.