The ICC has approved a regulation limiting the number of overseas players to four and requiring seven local players, including Associate players, for all new T20 leagues. Existing tournaments like the International League T20 (ILT20), Major League Cricket (MLC), and Global T20 (GLT20) will have to adhere to the limits within a reasonable period. Additionally, leagues will need to pay a 10% release fee to the home board for each player hired every season. The decision was reached after intense deliberations by cricket’s chief executives during the ICC’s AGM in Durban.
Initially, the original proposal to limit overseas players to four and require four local players in all leagues was voted down 8-6 by the ICC’s chief executives committee (CEC). However, discussions continued, and an amended recommendation was agreed upon, stating that new T20 leagues cannot exceed four overseas players in their playing XI, but Associate players can be listed as locals, promoting their exposure and cricket’s growth in smaller countries. The ICC Board ratified the CEC recommendation.
Existing leagues like ILT20 and MLC, which allow more than four overseas players, will have to conform to the new regulations over time. The ILT20, MLC, and Global T20 have been granted temporary relief. The specific timeline for compliance with the new regulations will be decided on a case-by-case basis, considering commercial agreements and franchise compositions.
The working group responsible for the proposal included representatives from the ICC, IPL, CWI, Cricket Australia, and the Emirates Cricket Board. The proposal aimed to address concerns about player drain from T20 leagues, especially in non-Full Member countries.
During the voting, Associate members and several Full Members opposed the original proposal, emphasizing the need for regulations to protect the sport. The members recognized the importance of preventing conditions that could lead to a breakaway and eventual takeover of cricket, as seen in golf recently. Cricket is witnessing major changes and the formation of a parallel calendar with IPL franchise owners investing in leagues worldwide.
To address concerns related to player contracts, the working group recommended a 10% release fee to be paid by T20 leagues to players’ home boards each season. The fee is negotiable between the host board and the player’s home board. The release fee has been a practice in the IPL, where the BCCI pays a minimum 10% release fee per player. Other leagues have also negotiated similar amounts through bilateral agreements with boards to obtain no-objection certificates.
The regulation aims to ensure a balance between T20 leagues, international cricket, and domestic cricket, as parallel leagues across continents have created scenarios like players opting out of national contracts for better work-life balance in leagues. The release fee will help compensate boards for players participating in these leagues. The exact responsibility for paying the release fee is yet to be determined.