The Champions Trophy 2025 came to a thrilling end as India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in a closely contested final, securing yet another ICC title. The victory marked a triumphant return of the tournament after an eight-year hiatus, bringing back high-intensity 50-over cricket to the international stage.
The 19-day event featured memorable performances, stunning team efforts, and game-changing moments, reigniting discussions about other historic cricket tournaments that have been missing from the calendar. With the Champions Trophy proving to be a success, calls for reviving similar competitions have gained momentum.
Should the Champions League Twenty20 Return?
One of the most frequently mentioned tournaments in these discussions is the Champions League Twenty20 (CLT20), a global T20 franchise competition that once rivaled the Indian Premier League (IPL) in popularity.
What Was CLT20?
Launched in 2009, the CLT20 was designed to replicate UEFA Champions League’s format, featuring the best domestic T20 franchises from leagues around the world. The tournament was jointly owned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA), and Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Over the years, the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) became the most successful teams in CLT20 history, winning the title twice each. Other winners included New South Wales Blues and Sydney Sixers.
Why Was CLT20 Discontinued?
Despite its exciting matchups, CLT20 was discontinued in 2015 due to:
- Low television ratings
- Lack of fan engagement outside of India
- Declining sponsorship value
The final edition of the tournament was held in 2014, after which it was permanently scrapped.
Could CLT20 Make a Comeback?
With the overwhelming success of T20 cricket and leagues such as the IPL, Big Bash League (BBL), and Caribbean Premier League (CPL), experts believe a revamped version of CLT20 could thrive in today’s cricketing ecosystem.
If reintroduced with better marketing, an adjusted format, and a streamlined calendar, the Champions League T20 could once again become a global spectacle, giving franchise cricket an international platform similar to what the Champions Trophy has done for ODI cricket.
As cricket boards and stakeholders evaluate future tournaments, the success of the Champions Trophy 2025 could serve as a blueprint for reviving some of the sport’s most iconic competitions.
