Javed Afridi, the owner of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi, has called for the formation of a global council to oversee franchise cricket leagues. With the rapidly growing market for such leagues around the world, Afridi believes that a united effort is needed to regulate and govern this sector effectively.
In a recent statement, Afridi suggested that a Global Council of Franchise Cricket Leagues would make the functioning of these leagues easier and more efficient. Such a body could provide guidance and support to cricket leagues around the world, improving their governance and ensuring their sustainability.
Afridi’s suggestion has been tweeted and has gained significant attention. The owner of the PSL season two champions believes that the establishment of this council is necessary due to the proliferation of franchise cricket leagues worldwide.
Franchise cricket started with the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008 and has since spread to various other countries. PSL, which is considered to be the most popular league after IPL, was first played in 2016. Today, almost every Test-playing country has its own cricket league, including Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL), England’s The Hundred, South Africa’s SA20, the West Indies’ Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Bangladesh’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Sri Lanka’s Lanka Premier League (LPL), and Zimbabwe’s T10 League.
New Zealand, Afghanistan, and Ireland are the only Test-playing countries without an active high-class franchise tournament as yet. However, the UAE has hosted several franchise leagues such as the International League T20 (ILT20) and T10 League, adding to the global appeal of franchise cricket.
Javed Afridi’s proposal for a Global Council of Franchise Cricket Leagues could be a game-changer for the cricket world. It would ensure the sustainability and regulation of franchise cricket, benefiting all cricketing nations that have such leagues.
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