Last Updated:July 06, 2025, 18:34 IST
Pakistan is likely to be excluded from the World Clubs T20 Championship, set to launch next year. No Indian Premier League side will play in the inaugural edition.
Indian Premier League trophy at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad (X/IPL)
Pakistan is likely to be excluded from the World Clubs T20 Championship, expected to launch next year.
A source familiar with the developments stated that the winning team in the Pakistan Super League is unlikely to receive an invitation to the event, which is being expedited with the support of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and its chairman, Jay Shah.
“TThe Pakistan Cricket Board was invited to send its CEO of the PSL for a meeting held on the sidelines of the cricket connect meeting in London last month but no one showed up,” the source said.
He mentioned that CEOs of most of the leading T20 franchise-based leagues gathered for the meeting, initiated by the England and Wales Cricket Board with ICC’s backing.
“Discussions were held on the proposed World Clubs Championship, its window, format, schedule etc. (The) CEOs of the Emirates League, Big Bash League, The Hundred, SA20, MLC, Caribbean Premier League etc attended the meeting. Pakistan was also invited,” he confirmed.
Will IPL Teams Take Part?
The source explained that initially, the World Clubs event will feature five teams, excluding any team from the Indian Premier League.
“Though the planned event has the backing of the Indian board but for the inaugural championship there will be no IPL participation.”
The source indicated that the World Clubs Championship is being fast-tracked to counter the planned Saudi Cricket League.
Private investors are planning to fund the Saudi League with an initial investment of $400 million but are facing resistance as they aim to model their league after the Tennis Grand Slam events each year.
The source noted that the recent meeting was crucial as CEOs discussed fixed windows for their events and the availability of NOCs for overseas players.
“The PCB didn’t show up and strangely Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has also not regularly attended ICC meetings.”
(With inputs from PTI)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
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News cricket No Pakistan In World Clubs T20 Championship Next Year, IPL Teams May…