Introduction
Champions League T20 to Return in 2026; Rebranded as World Club Championship – Report — this headline has reignited global excitement among cricket fans. The much-loved international T20 tournament, last held in 2014, is being revived under a new name: the World Club Championship 2026.
This rebranding marks a fresh era in franchise cricket, where top-performing clubs from leading domestic T20 leagues will compete in what many are calling cricket’s own club world cup. With the 2026 cricket calendar already packed, this global franchise event could become one of the most anticipated spectacles of the world cup 2026 season.
What is the World Club Championship?
The World Club Championship 2026 is a global T20 competition that will feature the champions of major franchise leagues, including the IPL, BBL, PSL, The Hundred, SA20, and MLC. The tournament format will closely mirror that of the now-defunct Champions League T20, but with a modern twist suited to today’s broader and more competitive T20 ecosystem.
By uniting top teams from across continents, the event aims to establish a legitimate club world cup for cricket—offering thrilling matchups never seen before in international franchise cricket.
Champions League T20 Set for a Return
According to The Cricketer and several confirmed reports, the Champions League T20 is officially returning in 2026, but with a new identity. The event has already received support from key stakeholders like the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Most notably, ICC Chairman Jay Shah is reportedly backing the initiative.
The ECB is also pushing for The Hundred champions to represent England instead of traditional T20 Blast winners—signaling a shift toward more modern, market-friendly formats.
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In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, ECB CEO Richard Gould stated:
“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.”
Why Was the Champions League T20 Discontinued?
First introduced in 2009, the Champions League T20 was held annually until 2014. Despite high-profile teams like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians winning the tournament twice each, the league was discontinued in 2015 due to:
- Declining TV ratings
- Sponsorship and revenue challenges
- Over-representation of IPL teams
However, in today’s landscape—where nearly every cricketing nation hosts its own T20 league—the timing couldn’t be better for a reimagined, inclusive tournament like the World Club Championship 2026.
Key Details of the World Club Championship 2026
| Tournament Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Previous Name | Champions League T20 |
| Rebranded As | World Club Championship 2026 |
| Expected Timeline | September – October 2026 |
| Format | T20 – Group Stage followed by Knockouts |
| Likely Venue | United Arab Emirates (UAE) |
| Supporting Boards | BCCI, ECB, ICC |
| Participating Leagues | IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20, The Hundred, MLC |
| Number of Teams | 8 to 10 (based on league winners from 2025 season) |
Probable Teams for the Club World Cup Format
| League | Likely Qualifiers (2025 Performances) |
|---|---|
| IPL | Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians |
| BBL | Perth Scorchers, Sydney Sixers |
| PSL | Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans |
| SA20 | Sunrisers Eastern Cape, Joburg Super Kings |
| The Hundred | Oval Invincibles, Trent Rockets |
| MLC (USA) | Seattle Orcas, Texas Super Kings |
These teams are expected to compete in what could become the most exciting club world cup event in cricket history.
Why the World Club Championship Is a Game-Changer
The revival of this tournament during the world cup 2026 season is no coincidence. It capitalizes on:
- 📈 Growing fan interest in T20 leagues globally
- 🌍 Increasing competitiveness across regional franchises
- 📺 More accessible streaming platforms and global viewership
- 💼 Enhanced sponsorship and media rights opportunities
By combining the popularity of the IPL with emerging leagues like MLC and SA20, the World Club Championship 2026 has the potential to become a permanent fixture in the cricketing calendar.
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Conclusion
The return of the Champions League T20, rebranded as the World Club Championship 2026, is set to reshape the future of global franchise cricket. With support from major cricket boards and participation from the world’s top clubs, this club world cup promises to be a thrilling addition to the world cup 2026 lineup.
Stay tuned for more updates on team confirmations, official venues, and fixtures as we count down to the return of one of cricket’s most exciting global competitions.
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