New Delhi: Pakistan’s hopes of featuring in the proposed World Clubs T20 Championship, which could launch as early as next year, have hit a roadblock. As per PTI, Pakistan Premier League (PSL) champions are likely to miss the inaugural edition.
The event is currently fast-tracked with support from the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its chairman, Jay Shah.
The Pakistan Cricket Board had been invited to send its PSL CEO to a crucial meeting held in London last month on the sidelines of the Cricket Connect gathering. However, no representative from Pakistan attended the meeting.
The meeting held at the initiative of the England and Wales Cricket Board with ICC’s backing was attended by CEO’s from top T20 franchise leagues worldwide, including the Emirates League, Big Bash League, The Hundred, SA20, Major League Cricket and the Caribbean Premier League. Discussions covered potential windows, formats, and scheduling for the proposed World Club T20 Championship.
The absence of Pakistan’s representation was notable, as the PSL remains one of the leading T20 leagues globally and the PCB’s input would have been critical during discussions around player NOCs and event windows.
No IPL participation
It is understood that the first edition of the championship will feature five teams but none from the Indian Premier League, despite the IPL’s support for the project. The exclusion of IPL teams for the inaugural season appears to be a strategic decision, with the event still having the backing of the Indian cricket board.
A move to counter Saudi cricket plans
As per PTI, the push to fast-track the World Clubs Championship is partly aimed at countering the proposed Saudi Cricket League, which is reportedly backed by private investors with a planned $400 million investment. The Saudi League’s ambitions of operating on a scale similar to tennis Grand Slams have raised concerns among cricket administrators, prompting discussions on securing fixed windows and player availability for existing leagues.
Despite these critical discussions shaping the future of franchise cricket, the PCB’s absence has raised eyebrows, especially as chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also been noted for irregular attendance at ICC meetings. As the cricket world moves towards a potential new chapter in franchise competitions, Pakistan’s non-participation in these talks may cost them a place on this new stage.