CLT20 future hangs in the balance

First staged in 2009, the tournament as such has failed to gain popularity and empty stands at the last event had been a huge embarrassment.

Representatives of Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa will meet officials of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in Kolkata on May 24 to decide the future of the Champions League T20 tournament.

Loss-making venture

The BCCI has invited the two Boards to watch the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) and also take a call on the CLT20, a loss-making venture. There had been reports that the CLT20 could possibly be scrapped since it had become a burden on host nations and also the official broadcaster.

“Yes, we have invited the CEOs and chairmen of CA and CSA for the IPL final. We will also discuss with them the future of the CLT20,” confirmed BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur.

Even though the three Boards are committed to the CLT20, which was first staged in 2009, the tournament as such has failed to gain popularity and empty stands at the last event had been a huge embarrassment.

Compared to the IPL, which continues to attract a packed house at most of the venues in India, the CLT20 has not been accepted by cricket lovers.

India and South Africa have staged the six editions of the tournament with the former hosting it four times.

Escape route

The cricket authorities are looking for an escape route where the CLT20, in its present format, is shelved and the new competition finds favour with the official broadcaster.

It is learnt that the broadcaster is keen the tournament be cancelled since it has remained a loss-making project right through.

No decision has been taken on the new format or the possible venues.

According to a BCCI official, there is an attempt to salvage the tournament with a more attractive package. “It need not be restricted to India or South Africa. The idea is to spread the game and a surprise may well be in store as far as the venue is concerned.”

“It will be a little premature to say what kind of replacement will be there for the CLT20. There are various issues involved. We have to discuss the matter with all stake holders. We shall cross the bridge when we reach there,” the source added.

The CLT20 could well become history and a new tournament, with emphasis on quality and also curtailed participation, is a distinct possibility on the cricket calendar.

“More than the financial aspect we don’t want an international T20 tournament being played in front of sparse audience,” the source asserted.