ICC To Delay Regulatory Action On Franchise Cricket - Report

ICC Set To Take A Call On Overseas Player Rule [PC- AFP]

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering tighter regulations for franchise-based T20 leagues, but some of the proposed changes may not come into effect immediately. 

The recommendations have raised concerns among competitions that depend heavily on overseas players to maintain their appeal. The ILT20 and Major League Cricket (MLC) could be among the biggest leagues affected by the proposed changes.

ICC Likely To Hold Back On Overseas Player Limit In Franchise Leagues

The ICC's Chief Executives Committee discussed recommendations put forward by its franchise league review group during a meeting in Bali on Saturday. One of the major proposals was to restrict the number of overseas players in a franchise league's playing XI to four.

However, the ICC is not expected to implement the recommendation immediately. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the matter will be taken up at the ICC board meeting on Sunday, although the discussions may not result in an immediate change to the existing regulations.

“Even in the board meeting, it is expected that there will only be discussions, the recommendations are unlikely to be implemented right away,” a member privy to the discussions said.

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Why ILT20 And MLC Might Be Affected After Rule Application?

The proposed restriction could have a significant impact on leagues such as the ILT20 and MLC, which currently allow considerably more overseas players in their playing combinations. 

The ILT20 permits up to nine foreign players in its playing XI, with one place reserved for a player from an Associate member nation. MLC, meanwhile, allows up to six overseas players.

A reduction to four overseas players would force both competitions to rely more heavily on their domestic talent pools. Given the current depth of players available in the UAE, the United States and other Associate nations, such a change could affect the leagues' ability to attract international stars and maintain their commercial appeal.

Both the ILT20 and MLC have significant investment from Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise groups. Four of the six ILT20 franchises have ownership links with IPL teams, while three MLC franchises also have IPL ownership, either fully or partially. 

Those involved in the leagues have reportedly been keen to resist stricter regulatory changes, particularly after earlier assurances that they would be exempt from future changes of this nature.

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