Too many leagues? ICC concerned with 'growing expanse of franchise cricket', vows to set up review committee

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has decided to set up a committee to study the growing influence of franchise cricket and find ways to ensure it coexists with international cricket without affecting the current calendar.Franchise leagues now occupy a significant part of the cricket calendar. The IPL alone takes up two months each year, while tournaments such as SA20, ILT20, BBL, BPL, SLPL, The Hundred and the CPL continue to expand. The European T20 Premier League is also scheduled to begin this year, adding another option for players who choose to build careers in franchise cricket. Following its board meeting on Sunday, the ICC said it would examine how franchise leagues can be aligned with international commitments."The Board expressed concern regarding the growing expanse of franchise cricket and resolved to form a committee to assess the harmonisation of franchise cricket with the international calendar within the current structure," the ICC said in a statement.The issue has become increasingly relevant for some countries, particularly in the Caribbean, where several leading players have prioritised franchise cricket over international commitments. One recent example is Nicholas Pooran, who retired from international cricket before turning 30. South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen has also stepped away from international cricket while continuing to feature in franchise leagues around the world.Former West Indies spinner Sunil Narine largely focused on franchise cricket during his career and rarely returned to international duty.The expansion of leagues has also raised concerns about the ICC's Future Tours Programme (FTP), which governs bilateral international cricket. A crowded calendar could make it more difficult for boards to schedule series and ensure the availability of leading players.Over the years, various ICC committees have discussed possible measures to address the issue. Among the suggestions considered were limits on the number of leagues a player can participate in during a season, while also ensuring that national commitments remain a priority.