The ICC World Club Championship has been delayed until at least 2031 following strong objections from the 'Big Three' cricket boards—England, Australia, and India. The decision came after an ICC cricket operations workshop in Dubai last week failed to reach a consensus on introducing new international tournaments.
Why the Big Three Oppose New Tournaments
The Big Three—England, Australia, and India—have consistently resisted changes to the international cricket calendar that could impact their lucrative bilateral series. India, in particular, generates around 70% of cricket's global revenue, giving it significant influence over ICC decisions. The proposed World Club Championship and additional T20 competitions were seen as threats to existing revenue streams.
Impact on the Future Tours Programme
The next Future Tours Programme (FTP) covering 2027 to 2031 will largely mirror the current cycle, with no new multilateral tournaments added. However, one potential change is the expansion of the World Test Championship to 12 teams from next year, with Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe set to join. The ICC has yet to finalise these plans.
| Tournament | Status | Earliest Start |
|---|---|---|
| World Club Championship | Delayed | 2031 |
| Four-team T20 Series | Rejected | N/A |
| World Test Championship Expansion | Proposed | 2025 |
Key Takeaways
- The ICC World Club Championship will not take place before 2031.
- The Big Three's opposition stems from financial and scheduling concerns.
- The World Test Championship may expand to 12 teams, including Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.
- The ICC continues to explore new competition formats to grow the sport.
Future of International Cricket Tournaments
The ICC remains eager to introduce new competitions to grow the sport and increase revenues. However, this ambition is likely to create ongoing tension with the Big Three. The proposed four-team T20 competitions, which would take place in additional windows, have also been shelved for now. The triangular format, once popular, has declined in recent years.
FAQ
What is the ICC World Club Championship?
The ICC World Club Championship is a proposed international cricket tournament that would feature top domestic T20 teams from around the world. It was intended to be a new addition to the cricket calendar but has been delayed until at least 2031.
Why did the Big Three object to the World Club Championship?
The Big Three—England, Australia, and India—opposed the tournament due to concerns over scheduling conflicts and potential financial impact on their existing bilateral series. India, which generates a majority of cricket's revenue, holds significant sway in these decisions.
What changes are expected in the next FTP cycle?
The next FTP cycle (2027-2031) will largely mirror the current one, with no new multilateral tournaments. However, the World Test Championship may expand to include 12 teams, adding Afghanistan, Ireland, and Zimbabwe.