In a significant move to protect the sanctity of Test cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is set to impose limits on the number of overseas players that franchise teams can sign. This decision comes in response to the growing influence of franchise leagues, highlighted by recent instances like Jason Roy’s withdrawal from the national contract to join Major League Cricket in the US. The ICC aims to prevent T20 cricket from overshadowing the international game and ensure a balance between domestic and global talent.
ICC could reduce the number of overseas players
Expected to be ratified next month, the new regulations entail reducing the number of overseas players to a maximum of four per starting XI in franchise leagues. Additionally, T20 leagues will be mandated to pay national boards for each player they sign. The urgency behind these changes stems from the emergence of leagues such as the International League T20 in the UAE, which allowed nine overseas players per team, and the upcoming Major League Cricket in the US, permitting nine in each squad and six in the playing XI.
The concern arose that these leagues, along with potential new ventures like a rumored Saudi Arabia league, could potentially recruit the world’s best talent regardless of nationality, similar to leading European football clubs. By restricting the number of overseas players to four per matchday squad from Full Members, aligning with the Indian Premier League’s guidelines, countries will be compelled to rely heavily on their domestic talent pools.
Changes in fee structure as well
Another crucial change is the requirement for all T20 leagues to contribute 10% of player fees to the respective national boards, mirroring the successful model established by the Indian Premier League. As the commercial value of T20 leagues continues to grow, this revenue-sharing arrangement will become an essential source of income for national boards and ensure equitable development across the cricketing landscape.
Richard Gould, CEO of the England & Wales Cricket Board, expressed concerns over franchise tournaments benefiting from players without adequately contributing to their development and pathway funding. Recognizing the need to nurture talent and maintain a robust pathway system, Gould emphasized that sustaining long-term success requires a strong and healthy foundation.
These proposed changes echo the recommendations put forth by Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies, in 2018. While action was not taken at the time, recent developments such as the International League T20 and players like Trent Boult opting for franchise contracts over national commitments have underscored the urgency for decisive action by cricket boards.
Amidst these developments, lucrative T20 leagues have been launched in South Africa and the UAE this year, with Major League Cricket in the US scheduled to commence next month, backed by prominent figures from Silicon Valley, including Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
Other discussions
Cricket authorities have also engaged in discussions drawing parallels with the LIV takeover of golf, contemplating the potential for an insurgent competition to form an unsanctioned breakaway, reminiscent of the 1977 World Series Cricket. However, any new competition seeking recognition must adhere to the four-overseas-player limit from Test nations to maintain their existing franchise and international structure, placing players in a high-stakes situation given the significant earnings available in leagues like the IPL.
The proposed restrictions on overseas players will primarily apply to players from the 12 Full Members, allowing emerging countries to create additional slots for Associate players, thereby fostering their development and participation in the global cricketing landscape.
With these stringent measures, the ICC aims to strike a delicate balance between the commercial success of franchise leagues and the preservation of Test cricket’s heritage, ensuring the longevity and vitality of the revered format.
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