ICC Set To Introduce Rules Against Franchise Leagues to Protect International Cricket
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is all set to introduce two new rules for franchise leagues in their bid to protect international cricket.
Rising T20 competitions across the world are jeopardising national cricket boards, with players foregoing their national contracts to participate in overseas leagues. As per a report by a British newspaper, the ICC will follow Indian Premier League’s (IPL) protocol of a restricted overseas participation in the playing XI.
ICC applies stricter rules on franchise leagues
The rise of franchise leagues has left a legion of fans wonder if international cricket will soon become irrelevant. Much like how football is dominated by American and European leagues, cricket might well be on its way where ODIs and Tests may become obsolete in favour of T20-laden competitions across the world.
English international Jason Roy recently waived his ECB contract to accept a lucrative one in USA’s upcoming Major League Cricket (MLC) tournament. Last year, New Zealand’s Trent Boult also made somewhat similar announcement, while several West Indies players can already be seen preferring franchise contracts over international commitments.
In response to players leaving their respective boards, the ICC is set to apply a rule which will limit a franchise to allow only four overseas players in their playing XI at a time.
As reported by The Telegraph, the apex body will also assign franchises to pay up a certain fee to the respective national boards for each player signing. The report stated that the amount a franchise will be required to pay to a board might amount to at least 10 percent of the players’ fee.
The rule of restricting overseas participation to just four players is seemingly inspired by IPL’s module. Throughout IPL’s 16-year journey, the BCCI have ensured that no franchise keeps more than four foreign players in their playing XI at any given point.
 "Aakash Saini")
