Impact Of T20 Leagues On International Cricket

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Over the past decade, the T20 format has grown exponentially in its fan base and has proved to be the major revenue generator for cricket boards all over the world. A vital contribution to the revenue comes from the T20 leagues set up by the boards. Almost every test playing nation, today, has its own T20 league. The IPL, BBL, CPL are just to name a few. Among the T20 leagues played worldwide, the brand value of the IPL is unmatched at the moment and there are no second thoughts about it. Currently, the league consists of 60 matches and is run over close to two months and acquires about one sixth of the calendar year.

The leagues have not only earned the cricket boards a large amount of money but have also produced some high quality young cricketers who go on to represent their respective countries in the future. These tournaments provide an exposure to young cricketers and give them a stage to showcase their talent to the world. Interacting and learning from experienced international players provides them a valuable experience and a chance to enhance their game. 

The cash rich leagues, especially the IPL, allure cricketers from all over the globe with their elusive high paying contracts. Every international player wants to be a part of a league and earn great sums of money. But the problem arises when players tend to skip their international matches to play the T20 leagues. Cricketers from West Indies are certainly the prime examples. Players need to set their priorities and understand the value of international cricket. The respective boards must take some responsibility too and discuss the matter with the players. 

Cricket Australia, for the matter, has been really appreciable. The board conducts the Big Bash League in the middle of Australian summer where all the marquee Australian players are busy with international cricket at home. Thus, they are not available for playing in the BBL. This comes as a big statement from CA as it has set priorities for the prestigious international cricket.

There's no doubt about the fact that IPL is the biggest league in the world in terms of fan following and revenue generated. The cash rich league generated an all time high revenue of close to Rs.4000 crores and an increased viewership of 25% in IPL 2020. The broadcast and digital rights of the league were sold for a mammoth Rs.16347 crores for a five year period(2018-2022) which was 3.5 times the previous deal. 

But the IPL has definitely disturbed the balance of world cricket. The league is played over a span of close to two months and interdicts any international game to be played during that period. The marquee players from different countries take part in the league, making them unavailable for national duties. Occupying almost one sixth of the year, IPL plays a roadblock for cricket's global expansion. Cricket, at international level, is already facing saturation as the number of teams playing competitive and high quality game decreases gradually.

Countries like South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka who once used to dominate world cricket don't stand competitive enough against other nations. Associate nations, haven't been able to upgrade their game on the field as they don't get enough opportunities to play against big teams. Such countries need more games to play as a group to develop their game. The lack of competitiveness in international cricket resulted in a drop in number of teams participating 2019 Cricket World Cup. Only ten teams compete in the quadrennial event at 2019 and upcoming 2023 editions.

Moving forward, T20 is probably the format to drive in more audience for the game from associate countries, but for that we need more international cricket and not T20 leagues. With the BCCI looking to expand the IPL from next season by introducing two new teams and naturally increasing the number of matches, IPL seems to conquer more space in the calendar than ever before. The ICC, too, announced its decision to increase the number of teams and matches in both twenty over and fifty over world cups in the next Future Tours Programme (FTP) cycle and it will be interesting to see how both the tournaments are now scheduled in an already crammed FTP.


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