Just after India earned the T20 World Cup 2007 title, the landscape of the shortest format changed in a span of three years to 2009. The blue brigade’s successful foundation of the franchise-based T20 league, known as the Indian Premier League (IPL), brought several changes to the game. It created different opportunities for the board, the players, and the fans of the sport.

 In 2008, the three boards, the BCCI, Cricket Australia (CA), and Cricket South Africa (CSA), partnered to found the Champions League T20 (CLT20). They officially launched the league. However, delays were caused by the postponement of the event in 2009, and in September of that year, the first-ever edition took place in India.

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The league is nearly similar to the UEFA Champions League in football. The plan was to have the best T20 teams from the best cricketing nations for the ultimate prize. The last season of the competition was played in 2014 and was eventually scrapped due to the low viewership numbers and the surprising financial losses. In the last season, it was a 10-team tournament.

History of the Champions Trophy T20 (CLT20) till the 2014 season

In the opening season of the tournament, 12 teams participated from seven countries. The top three teams from the IPL, the champions and the runners-up, each from Australia, South Africa, and the Champions of West Indies, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, came into the event. With more overs to progress, more teams participated in the leagues to make it more structured.

Only the teams of India, South Africa, and Australia got the direct qualification. In the last season of the tournament, none of the franchises of Pakistan participated. The England players didn’t get the chance to participate due to the clash with their domestic season.

In the first season of the tournament during 2009/10, New South Wales became the champions, while the Chennai Super Kings earned the title in 2010/11. Mumbai Indians won the title next year, followed by the Sydney Sixers. Mumbai again became the champions in the 2013/14 season before the MS Dhoni-led side celebrated the trophy in the very last season of the tournament. However, it may return now, last year in September.

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.