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ICC Looks To Tighten Screws On Franchise T20 Leagues

Mayank

ICC propose new regulations on T20 leagues [Source: AFP]ICC propose new regulations on T20 leagues [Source: AFP]

The ICC is seeking greater control over franchise cricket infrastructure following several recommendations made at its quarterly meeting in Bali. While the governing body already regulates various aspects of franchise leagues, the proposed expansion of its powers would allow it to better oversee the game's integrity and international calendar.

This could prove detrimental to several leagues, including the ILT20 in the UAE and Major League Cricket in the USA — both of which are gaining momentum in the last couple of years after Indian investments.

ICC eyes more control over franchise leagues

The ICC's quarterly meeting in Bali saw several recommendations put forward as the governing body looks to safeguard the sport's integrity. According to Cricinfo, proposed changes include a tighter overseas player quota across franchise leagues.

They are looking to trim the maximum number of overseas players allowed in a playing XI to 4 players. This will affect MLC and ILT20 the most, as ILT20 allows up to 9 foreigners in the XI. The two leagues were exempted from the overseas player rule in 2023. This could see the leagues take a serious commercial hit.

Furthermore, ICC wants the power to review a sanction given to a league by a full member nation. Currently, only Associates need additional ICC sanction.

Other proposed regulations

Apart from the aforementioned changes, which would have a significant impact on leagues outside Full Member nations, the ICC also wants to ban betting companies and surrogates from advertising or sponsoring in the leagues. This is to avoid bets being placed in countries where it is illegal.

Below are the other changes that are recommended:

  • Charge fees to sanction new leagues.
  • Provide league sanctions only if leagues use the ICC’s anti-corruption unit or any unit that is approved by the international board.
  • Discuss whether a country’s board should limit the number of franchise leagues it can host
  • Regulate payment systems across leagues
  • Consider the status of various legends’ leagues that blur lines between the active and retired players, “raising integrity concerns,” said an executive as quoted by Cricinfo.

As per the same report, one of the league officers have termed some of the proposed changes "very concerning," considering the future of their tournament.