More than 10 years after the Champions League T20 — a tournament that brought domestic T20 franchises together — a similar tournament that was successfully held in 2024 returns to the calendar once again in Guyana.
Guyana Global Super League (GSL) has announced the tournament which includes five T20 teams from around the world will take place from July 10 to 18 at the Guyana National Stadium in Providence.
The tournament will see Dubai Capitals (ILT20), Hobart Hurricanes (Big Bash), Central Stags (Super Smash), Rangpur Riders (BPL) and Guyana Amazon Warriors (CPL, finalists) facing each-other.
Rangpur Riders were in the champions of the inaugural edition held last year which included Lahore Qalandars (PSL) and Hampshire Hawks (T20 Cup). In the final, Rangpur defeated Cricket Victoria to win the title.
This time, the tournament will see Central Stags coming in place for County side Hampshire while Dubai Capitals in place of Lahore. There won’t be any participation from SA20 and IPL.
The Champions League T20 modelled on the concept of UEFA Champions League was a popular tournament held between 2009 to 2014 with Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians winning it twice each. After New South Wales won the inaugural edition in 2009, Sidney Sixers was the only other side to claim the trophy.
While the tournament was supposed to be held alternatively in India, South Africa and Australia, it never materialised due to logistical challenges. It meant, only India and South Africa hosted the event with weather condition deemed not favourable for Australia to host the tournament in the September window.
Domestic T20 teams from across all the Test playing nations had a shot at the tournament, but it was dominated by IPL franchises. However, after 2014 the tournament found no takers and despite calls from fans to revive it, there hasn’t been any concrete effort to bring back the tournament. (The Indian Express)
