The latest update is that the Champions League T20 cricket will return as the World Club Championship in 2026, according to ECB CEO Richard Gould.
The Champions League T20 was held successfully from 2009 to 2014. Top teams from franchise leagues worldwide took part, bringing a fresh perspective to Franchise T20 cricket.
This blog will provide details about the recent developments regarding the reintroduction of the Champions League T20 as the ‘World Club Championship’.
Why is CLT20 Renamed As The World Club Championship 2026?
ECB CEO Richard Gould has mentioned that recent developments aim to bring back the Champions League T20 after it was discontinued following the 2014 season.
“That is on the cards. Without a doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship for both men and women. That’s the next logical step,” Gould said.
The tournament’s reintroduction will change the Champions League T20 to the World Club Championship as well.
The World Club Championship in 2026 will likely follow the same format as the Champions League T20, with top teams from domestic leagues worldwide competing again on the global stage.
CL T20 – Past Seasons
The Champions League T20 was first introduced in 2008, but the initial edition was canceled because of the Mumbai attacks that year. It was supposed to take place in India.
However, the 2009 season went ahead successfully. New South Wales from Australia won the inaugural season, marking a strong start for the Champions League T20 cricket.
A total of five consecutive seasons took place after the first edition in 2009. Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians from India each won the competition twice, while the Sydney Sixers from Australia won the other title.
Here are the past winners of the Champions League T20:
| Year | Host | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | India | New South Wales | Trinidad and Tobago |
| 2010 | South Africa | Chennai Super Kings | Warriors |
| 2011 | India | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| 2012 | South Africa | Sydney Sixers | Lions |
| 2013 | India | Mumbai Indians | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2014 | India | Chennai Super Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders |
Why CLT20 Was Discontinued?
The Champions League T20 was officially discontinued in 2015 because of low fan engagement and declining viewership. Even with top domestic T20 teams from around the world, the tournament could not create a steady fan base.
Financial problems were another major reason. Key sponsors withdrew early, and the competition had a hard time attracting long-term commercial support. This made it less feasible for organizers and broadcasters.
Scheduling conflicts and a busy international calendar also made it tough to fit the event in. The dominance of IPL teams lowered global competition, which led to a decrease in interest from audiences and stakeholders.
World Club Championship 2026: Teams, Schedule & Venues
The World Club Championship 2026 signals the return of global franchise T20 cricket, led by the ECB. It replaces the discontinued CLT20 and will unite top domestic league champions from around the world.
Expected participating teams:
- IPL Champion (India)
- BBL Winner (Australia)
- PSL Champion (Pakistan)
- SA20 Winner (South Africa)
- The Hundred Winner (England)
- ILT20 Winner (UAE)
- MLC Winner (USA)
The format will include group stages and knockouts. The tournament is expected to take place in England. Official dates, venues, and fixtures have not been announced yet.
Expectations & Hype for The World Club Championship 2026 Season
The World Club Championship 2026 is creating a lot of excitement as it gets ready to bring together the best T20 franchise teams from across the globe. Fans are eager to see top clubs from leagues like the IPL, BBL, PSL, and The Hundred compete in a single tournament for the first time in years.
The event is likely to increase global interest in franchise cricket, offering new matchups and more competition. It also brings major commercial opportunities, with the potential for huge viewership and sponsorship deals.
If scheduling is managed properly, this could change global T20 cricket and compete with the popularity of major leagues.
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