The two-tier Test cricket controversy has been running for more than a decade, and it has intensified with the growing presence of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). While the BCCI, ECB, and CA, the governing cricket bodies of India, England, and Australia, respectively, are the top international cricket boards, their views play very important roles in the future of the game. While the BCCI has shown support for the two-tier Test cricket system, the ECB and CA have brought two different mindsets to the two-tier Test cricket.

The two-tier Test cricket model, which can be seen in the future ICC World Test Championship, can divide the 12 Test members into two divisions. In the ICC Annual Conference, it was the most significant topic. The ICC has also formed a working group, led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Towse, to understand the effectiveness of the two-tier Test cricket model. 

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ECB chairman raises voice against two-tier Test cricket

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) chairman Richard Thompson isn't confident enough with the two-tier Test cricket system, as they can't afford to lose the chance to play against their Test rivals Australia and India.

Recently, in the BBC's Test Match Special, Thompson said, "There's a lot of options that we've got to look at - tiers would be one of them. We wouldn't want, as England, we may go through a fallow period, and that means, what, we fall into Division Two and we don't play Australia and India? That couldn't happen. There has to be a sense that common sense needs to play out here."

Thompson feels that the ICC WTC can work in a better way with the improvement of the cricket calendar, which is congested by various T20 leagues. 

The ECB chairman added, "The World Test Championship could work better than it does. It has definitely improved the narrative, [and] it has created a relevance. Seeing what it meant for South Africa to win - who are crushed by rugby in their own country - and seeing players I know really well, like Graeme Smith, in tears on the outfield, that was a real moment seeing them win. As much as I was critical that they turned up with a 'B' team when they played New Zealand [in 2024], it was still good for the game when the underdog wins.

"But the reality of it is, the World Test Championship, if it was improved upon and certain changes were made, maybe you don't need two tiers of Test cricket. What you do need is a schedule that makes a lot more sense than it currently does, and that must include the volume of bilateral cricket that you play, white-ball and red-ball, and recognising that from 2028, we have an Olympics. So what happens in 2028, when we have an Olympics, and our best 11 cricketers have got to go to LA for two weeks in the middle of July? That is going to throw up some challenges."

Cricket Australia CEO open-minded

Meanwhile, Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg wants to see stronger versions of the present middle-ranked teams in Test cricket.

Greenberg is open-minded about the two-tier Test cricket system, as he feels that it should work better for the other Test-playing nations to earn their support. He further added that the other boards' CEOs also view it similarly. 

As per emerging reports, the Champions League T20 (CLT20) could make a comeback in the following years. Talks are reportedly underway between the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia (CA) to revive the dormant league. The league came into existence in 2009, and the inaugural edition was played in India. However, it all came to an end in 2014 with the last edition also being staged in India. 

The England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have particularly shown keen interest and is working on a plan to bring life to this now-defunct league. CLT20 comprised T20 franchise teams from regions spanning across South Asia, Oceania, Southern Africa, the Caribbean, and the UK. Popular IPL franchises like MI and CSK also took part in this league across six editions. 

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ECB's plan to revive CLT20

During a conversation with ESPNcricinfo, ECB Chief Executive Richard Gould unveiled ambitious plans to bring the league back to life. He is engaging in active discussions with representatives from BCCI, CA, and CSA (Cricket South Africa) to curate a league that exactly mirrors the now-defunct CLT20 but with a catch. What would be different this time is that the league would include male and female teams, thus giving it an inclusive outlook. The plan is in the early stage and is yet to take full shape, but the ECB CEO has assured that he is proactively working on it to make this plan turn into reality someday. 

"CLT20 was ahead of its time. We are looking to make it happen now. That is anticipated. There will undoubtedly be a World Club Championship for both men and women at some point. According to India Today, he stated, "That's the next logical step."

The ECB is exploring the options to revive Champions League T20.

ECB CEO said, "CLT20 was ahead of its time. We are looking to make it happen now". (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/yjzMEdS2Lh

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) June 6, 2025

Why should CLT20 be revived?

CLT20 was decommissioned after the 2014 edition for several reasons. A decline in viewership and limited sponsorship deals, followed by a congested cricketing calendar, made it impossible for the stakeholders to continue the league smoothly. But in an era dictated by franchise cricket, the world deserves to see a league that represents the global values of the franchises.

Franchises from different corners of the world have the opportunity to come together under one roof and compete with each other to showcase their excellence on an international scale. Moreover, exposure to different venues also facilitates preparedness and greater adaptability, which the players so desperately need to thrive in modern-day cricket. While discussions are ongoing, no official announcements have been made regarding the tournament's revival. However, the renewed interest from major cricket boards indicates a positive outlook for the future of CLT20. 

The cricketing world is abuzz with excitement as discussions resurface regarding the revival of the Champions League T20 (CLT20) tournament. After a decade-long hiatus, cricket boards from Australia, England, and India are actively engaged in negotiations to breathe new life into this prestigious competition. The prospect of the CLT20 making a comeback has sparked intrigue and speculation among fans and stakeholders alike.

History of CLT20

The CLT20 made its debut in 2009, heralding a new era of cricketing excellence and camaraderie. Over the course of six editions, the tournament showcased the finest talent from around the globe, pitting domestic champions against each other in a battle for supremacy. Teams from cricketing powerhouses like India, Australia, and South Africa competed fiercely for the coveted title, captivating audiences with their skill and passion for the game.

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Factors Behind the Hiatus

Despite its initial success, the CLT20 faced challenges that ultimately led to its suspension after the 2014 edition. Issues such as scheduling conflicts, dwindling viewership, and logistical hurdles posed significant obstacles to the tournament’s sustainability. As a result, the organizers decided to put the CLT20 on hold, leaving cricket enthusiasts yearning for its return.

Revival Talks

The recent resurgence of interest in reviving the CLT20 can be attributed to the proactive efforts of cricket boards and officials. Discussions between Cricket Australia, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have gained momentum. Key figures, such as Cricket Victoria CEO Nick Cummins, have been vocal proponents of bringing back the CLT20.

“I think the Champions League was ahead of its time. The T20 landscape wasn’t mature enough at that point. I think it is now. I know that there’s active conversations between Cricket Australia, the ECB, and the BCCI about the Champions League,” Cummins said on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai on Tuesday.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding its revival, the CLT20 faces several challenges that must be addressed. Finding a suitable window in the crowded cricket calendar. Accommodating international and domestic commitments, and ensuring widespread participation are among the primary concerns.

“It’s just trying to find a window as to when you actually play that, because you’ve also got all the ICC tournaments as well,” Cummins added.

Comparisons and Significance

Drawing parallels with club-based leagues in other sports, cricket enthusiasts envision the CLT20 as a platform for clubs to showcase their talent on an international stage. Similar to football’s UEFA Champions League, the CLT20 has the potential to foster intense rivalries.