A decade after it was last played, the Champions League T20 is poised for a grand return. Cricket fans could soon witness blockbuster matchups between top franchise teams from the IPL, PSL, and other T20 leagues, with the tournament expected to be rebranded as the World Clubs Championship.
ICC Gives Green Light for Revival
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially approved the revival of a global franchise T20 tournament during its annual conference held in Singapore. According to sources, the event is likely to be held in September 2026, setting the stage for top-tier club-level T20 action on an international scale.
IPL vs PSL? A Dream Matchup Could Finally Happen
One of the most exciting possibilities this revival brings is the potential face-off between teams from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). While discussions are still ongoing, the return of a tournament featuring champion teams from multiple leagues creates a platform where such marquee clashes could finally become a reality.
However, final confirmations from IPL and PSL franchises are still pending, and much will depend on commercial agreements and scheduling.
Rebranded as the World Clubs Championship
Unlike the original Champions League T20 that ran from 2008 to 2014, the new tournament will be rebranded as the World Clubs Championship, with a fresh commercial approach and global ambitions. It aims to feature the champion teams from leading T20 leagues, including:
IPL (India)
PSL (Pakistan)
BBL (Australia)
CPL (Caribbean)
SA20 (South Africa)
ILT20 (UAE)
The Hundred (England)
BPL (Bangladesh)
This rebranding is intended to attract broader global interest and unlock stronger commercial potential than the previous version.
Scheduling Still a Challenge
Although the BCCI (India) and ECB (England) have shown support for the concept, the participation of their top franchises remains unconfirmed. In a recent World Cricket Connects meeting held in London, representatives from major leagues such as CPL, SA20, BPL, ILT20, and The Hundred were present, but no officials from the PCB or PSL attended.
The meeting did not yield a final decision on IPL teams’ participation either. However, ICC’s approval signals strong intent, and logistical and commercial discussions are expected to continue in the coming months.
India’s 2026 Schedule Could Be Adjusted
India is scheduled to play white-ball series against Afghanistan and West Indies around the same time in 2026. However, cricket insiders believe the schedule can be adjusted slightly to accommodate the new global T20 event.
Final Thoughts
The return of the Champions League T20—now under the name World Clubs Championship—could revolutionize global franchise cricket. With elite T20 teams from around the world potentially going head-to-head, this tournament could become a new highlight in the global cricket calendar.
Though many details are yet to be finalized, ICC’s green signal marks a significant first step toward bringing fans the most awaited cross-league battles in cricket history.
For all the latest updates on global cricket events, stay connected with SportSnip.com — your front-row seat to the evolving world of cricket.
