Cricket seems to be headed in the direction of a revolution in its structure. The ICC is also considering a decision that might significantly change the future of the longest format—reducing the number of Test-playing countries—even if the men's T20 Champions League is on the verge of a blockbuster relaunch as early as September 2026.

During the current ICC meeting in Singapore, several powerful cricket boards have expressed their support for reviving the Champions League T20 (CLT20), according to The Sydney Morning Herald. The now-defunct event, which was held from 2009 to 2014, included some of the best T20 teams from across the globe competing in a format similar to the Champions League of UEFA.

The rapid commercialization of T20 leagues worldwide has created a fertile environment for its comeback, despite the fact that it was abandoned ten years ago owing to its financial unviability, particularly after the pullout of broadcaster ESPN Star.

The new tournament version will have a different kind of challenge if it is ever finalized: choosing the player pool. Since franchise owners now have players under contract in several leagues and tournaments, the ICC will need to work out complicated eligibility regulations. Despite the increasing momentum for the tournament's return, the report also highlighted outstanding logistical and financial choices.

Restrictions in Test cricket

Contrary to this drive for glamour and franchise expansion, Test cricket might experience a reduction in the near future. A cap on the number of Test-playing nations is reportedly being discussed at the same ICC meeting, which might represent a significant change in cricket's priorities.

The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, chairs a working group that includes ICC's new CEO, Sanjog Gupta, and is responsible for producing a plan by the end of the year.

Speaking at Lord's last year at the MCC's World Cricket Connects panel, Gupta made allusions to the impending adjustments. “You have to make tough decisions,” he had said.

"The data is sufficient to indicate the game's trajectory. The environment around the product will continue to suffer if you keep providing a product that no one wants. At some point, Blackberry vanished and was replaced by a different product.

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