By Zainab Shafiq 
In what can be called recent developments in cricket, World Club Championship gears up for its grand launch in 2026. This rebranded mega-event, inspired by the former Champions League T20, will bring together winners of top T20 competitions, such as the IPL, PSL, BBL, SA20, and The Hundred, under one global roof.
The much-loved Champions League T20 ran from 2009 to 2014 but struggled with viewership and sponsorship, leading to its discontinuation in 2015. Now, with cricket’s franchise landscape booming across continents, the timing feels just right. Reports confirm that the BCCI, ECB, and ICC chairman Jay Shah are fully committed to making the World Club Championship a reality.
Revamped Format Aims to Deliver Global T20 Showdown Named World Club Championship
Unlike its predecessor, the upcoming tournament aims to be broader in scope, possibly involving both men’s and women’s teams in future editions. While final details remain under wraps, sources suggest the ECB favors including champions from The Hundred instead of the Vitality Blast.
This revived concept has already stirred global excitement. ECB’s Richard Gould recently hinted, “That is on the cards. Without doubt, at some point, there will be a World Club Championship for both men and women. That’s the next logical step.”
By expanding participation beyond just a handful of leagues, the World Club Championship aims to become cricket’s answer to football’s UEFA Champions League, global, elite, and fiercely competitive.
The revival isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about tapping into the modern fan’s appetite for international-level franchise battles. With each major league now boasting high-quality players, loyal fan bases, and strong financial backing, the World Club Championship is primed to succeed where past efforts fell short.
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