The possibility of players signing deals that will see them play in multiple T20 leagues for IPL franchises has been discussed informally, according to Heath Mills, executive chairman of FICA, the global players’ body. Mills said that such conversations have taken place not just in England but in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and West Indies. While no player has signed a contract yet, the prospect of IPL franchises becoming the main employers for leading players raises questions about the future of cricket.
The idea of players playing in multiple T20 leagues for the same franchise has been floated for some time now but has gathered pace since IPL franchises such as Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders have spread into new leagues in the UAE, South Africa, and the US. The head of the global players’ body confirming that such talks are taking place makes it a more tangible vision of the future. However, there are logistical obstacles to overcome, including the different draft and auction processes in different leagues, rules on salary caps and retention, and the BCCI’s current stance of not issuing NOCs to play in other leagues.
While the possibility of players playing in multiple T20 leagues is still in its early stages, it does raise questions about the future of cricket, including the hold of test cricket on English players. The ECB’s managing director, Rob Key, said that prising away England’s biggest stars will not be so easy, especially the centrally contracted players. However, creating windows where players agree not to play international cricket when a T20 league is happening could be a compromise.
FICA has long called for a rationalization of the cricket calendar, arguing that the glut of international bilateral cricket, ICC events, and T20 leagues is forcing the best players to choose and prioritize where and when they want to play. Mills was critical of how members put together the Future Tours Programme (FTP), stating that the current situation sees each board organize their bilateral program and its T20 competition independently of each other, and everyone wants the best outcome for themselves alone. However, everyone also wants the best players to enhance their international and T20 products. Mills believes that cricket needs to find a way to rationalize its calendar to avoid collisions of T20 leagues and international cricket.
While the possibility of players playing in multiple T20 leagues is still in its early stages, the conversations between players and IPL franchises are a significant development. The idea of franchises becoming the main employers of leading players raises questions about the future of cricket, and it is essential to find a way to rationalize the cricket calendar to avoid clashes between T20 leagues and international cricket.
