ICC set to introduce new rules for T20 franchise leagues: Big blow for ILT20 and MLC?

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is planning to introduce new rules for T20 franchise leagues, which could bring big changes to tournaments around the world. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the ICC is looking to take more control over these leagues, with new rules for overseas players, sponsorships and anti-corruption measures. If the proposals are approved, the UAE's International League T20 (ILT20) and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA could face the biggest problems.

The ICC formed a franchise leagues review group in July this year to look at how T20 leagues are being run around the world. The group has now suggested several changes, which will be discussed by cricket board heads and chief executives at the ICC meeting in Bali this weekend. These changes could affect how teams pick their players and how different leagues operate in the future.

One of the biggest proposals is to allow only four overseas players in the playing XI of each team. The ICC is also considering more power to check league approvals, restrictions on betting company sponsorships and fees for approving tournaments. If these proposals get the green light, ILT20 and MLC could face major changes to their current team combinations.

What new rules is the ICC set to introduce for T20 franchise leagues?

According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the ICC's franchise leagues review group has suggested several new rules for T20 tournaments. One of the main proposals is to limit overseas players to four in a playing XI. This could affect leagues that depend heavily on foreign players to attract fans.

The ICC also wants more power to check how different leagues get approval from cricket boards. Currently, leagues approved by full member boards do not need extra approval from the ICC, while leagues backed by Associate Members need additional approval. Under the new proposal, the ICC could review or audit approvals given by Full Member boards as well.

Another proposal is to restrict sponsorship deals with betting companies and brands linked to them. This could stop betting companies from promoting their services in countries where betting is illegal. The ICC also wants every league to use its Anti-Corruption Unit or another unit approved by the council.

See Also: ICC AGM 2026: 8 proposals that could change cricket forever

Apart from these changes, the ICC is also considering charging fees to approve T20 franchise leagues. Cricket board heads and chief executives will discuss all these proposals at the meeting in Bali this weekend. However, these are only recommendations at the moment, and the ICC is yet to make a final decision.

Why could ILT20 and MLC be hit hardest by the ICC’s proposed overseas player limits?

ILT20 and Major League Cricket could face major problems if the ICC reduces the overseas player limit to four. Both leagues depend heavily on international stars to attract fans, unlike the IPL and Big Bash League, which give more chances to local players. A lower limit could force both tournaments to make big changes to their teams.

Currently, ILT20 allows up to nine overseas players in its playing XI, including at least one player from an Associate Member country, while MLC allows up to six foreign players. Both leagues received special permission from the ICC when overseas player limits were introduced for new T20 tournaments in 2023. If the new rule is approved, both competitions will have to reduce the number of foreign players in their teams.

See Also: List of new rules and playing conditions made by the ICC across the three formats

The change could also affect franchises and their investors, as many teams have spent heavily on signing international stars. Five of the six ILT20 teams have owners linked to the IPL or WPL, while four MLC teams are also connected to IPL ownership groups. With fewer overseas stars available, both leagues could face challenges in attracting fans and maintaining their commercial value.