Champions League T20 Returns in 2026! IPL, BBL, PSL Winners to Clash in New Format
The Champions League T20 is set to return in 2026 with a new name, featuring winners from top leagues like IPL, BBL, PSL, and SA20.
In a major development, the Champions League T20 is likely to make a comeback. As per a report from The Cricketer, the tournament is expected to return in 2026. However, it will have a new name — World Club Championship.
Champions League T20 set for a return
The format will be similar to the old Champions League T20. The winners of top T20 leagues around the world will play in the new tournament. This includes teams from the IPL, The Hundred, BBL, PSL, and SA20.
The report says the idea is already getting support from the ECB and BCCI. Even ICC chairman Jay Shah has agreed to the plan.
Details like the number of teams or which leagues will be involved are not yet confirmed. However, reports say that the ECB wants the winners of The Hundred to take part, not the winners of the Vitality T20 Blast.
A few weeks ago, ECB’s Gould had said, “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,” as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
What happened to the old Champions League?
The Champions League T20 first started in 2009. It used to be held every year till 2014. The tournament stopped in 2015 because of poor viewership and sponsorship problems.
In the older version, only four leagues were part of the competition. The IPL had the most slots, with three teams allowed to participate. Among Indian teams, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians were the most successful, each winning two titles.
Why this comeback is big?
This is the right time to bring the tournament back. Now, almost every major country has its own T20 league. More teams from around the world can now take part.
The new World Club Championship can be cricket’s version of football’s UEFA Champions League. It gives fans the chance to see top T20 teams from different leagues compete against each other on one stage.
The official launch date is not confirmed yet. But if all goes well, fans can expect the tournament to begin in 2026.
