ICC eyes major crackdown on T20 franchise leagues
Key Points(5)
- The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a tougher regulatory framework for T20 franchise cricket, with proposed changes that could significantly affect the structure and commercial prospects of several leagues around the world.
- The recommendations, developed by a review group established in July, are scheduled for discussion by chief executives and board presidents at the ICC's quarterly meeting in Bali this weekend.
- At the heart of the proposals is a push for greater control over how leagues are approved, regulated and monitored, particularly in areas involving player eligibility, disciplinary action, sponsorship and anti-corruption safeguards.
- Overseas-player limits under scrutiny Among the most consequential recommendations is stricter enforcement of overseas-player restrictions, a move that could place the UAE's International League T20 (ILT20) and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States under considerable pressure.
- Both competitions were granted exemptions when the ICC introduced its player-capping limits in 2023, allowing them to field significantly more foreign players than the standard arrangement.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering a tougher regulatory framework for T20 franchise cricket, with proposed changes that could significantly affect the structure and commercial prospects of several leagues around the world.
The recommendations, developed by a review group established in July, are scheduled for discussion by chief executives and board presidents at the ICC's quarterly meeting in Bali this weekend.
At the heart of the proposals is a push for greater control over how leagues are approved, regulated and monitored, particularly in areas involving player eligibility, disciplinary action, sponsorship and anti-corruption safeguards.
Overseas-player limits under scrutiny
Among the most consequential recommendations is stricter enforcement of overseas-player restrictions, a move that could place the UAE's International League T20 (ILT20) and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States under considerable pressure.
Both competitions were granted exemptions when the ICC introduced its player-capping limits in 2023, allowing them to field significantly more foreign players than the standard arrangement.
ILT20 currently permits as many as nine overseas players in a playing XI, while MLC allows six. The review group's proposal for a maximum of four overseas players per XI could therefore force both competitions to reconsider their recruitment models, potentially weakening their commercial appeal and limiting opportunities for international players.
One league official described the recommendations as “very concerning,” questioning whether his competition could remain viable under such restrictions. The official also pointed to previous assurances that the leagues would be protected by a grandfather clause.
Wider authority over sanctions and integrity
The proposed reforms extend beyond team composition. The ICC wants greater authority to examine, review or audit sanctions issued by its Full Members, as well as the power to intervene when a member board fails to meet its regulatory responsibilities or significant integrity concerns emerge.
The review group has also recommended that leagues be required to use the ICC's Anti-Corruption Unit or an approved equivalent. Restrictions on sponsorship from betting companies and the introduction of a league-sanctioning fee are also being considered.
The broader objective is to address concerns surrounding corruption, unstable ownership arrangements and cases of players going unpaid in the increasingly crowded franchise-cricket landscape.
High-level review group backs changes
The review was led by Bangladesh Cricket Board President Tamim Iqbal, with England and Wales Cricket Board chief executive Richard Gould, Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg and Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Devajit Saikia among its members.
The group said external legal advice indicated that ICC members would have no sound legal basis for challenging the proposed changes.
Other matters expected to feature in the discussions include the standardization of solidarity payments to member boards, clarification of the regulatory status of legends leagues and the possibility of limiting the number of franchise competitions hosted by an individual member.
If adopted, the recommendations would represent a substantial shift in the ICC's oversight of franchise cricket, potentially reshaping the operating environment for leagues that have built their models around greater access to overseas talent.
