Another edition of the Champions League T20 is all set to get underway. If advertisers are to be believed, it is a rocking tournament with crowds going mad over the matches. However, it is far from the truth. A few editions of the league have taken place, but the tournament seems to be struggling for substance. It is quite a miracle that the CLT20 didn't fizzle out like the ICL after the first couple of seasons. Many believed it would. But, the danger is not completely over as far as the tournament is concerned. It still has to prove its worth, in comparison to the IPL, which itself is under the scanner for allegedly dooming Indian cricket.
Speaking of the IPL, ironically the reason why the CLT20 came into existence poses the biggest danger to the tournament. When there is already an IPL in place, which lasts for nearly two months, why would people be interested in watching the same kind of stuff just a few months later all over again. It is a clear case of overkill, and a tournament that can easily be avoided. The time saved courtesy the same can be utilised by players either to take some rarely available rest or, alternately, sharpen their cricketing skills. Even the viewers would get some much needed break from non-stop nonsense cricket.
There is one key factor which gives the IPL a significant edge over the CLT20. Each side in the league is allowed only four players from outside India -- it is a domestic league after all. This means that all teams play with majority of Indians, which means fans can identify with the players and teams. It also gives them a reason to support franchises. A number of local players are known quantities, and even most of the foreign names are cricketing stars, either past or present. This is a big enough reason for fans to show their loyalty to the league. It is also a great opportunity for them to watch some rising stars of Indian cricket. The Indian angle is the key here.
The case with the CLT20 is totally the opposite. Most of the teams are foreign sides, who have qualified by virtue of performing well in their respective T20 competitions. There is the IPL connection here as well, but the factor is restricted to only a couple of teams. Thus, viewers would not be too keen on supporting sides. They would actually be finding reasons for why they should support any particular side. After all, most of the teams and players would not be known to them. That would really be a clinching factor as far as watching the tournament is concerned.
Now, even the format of the CLT20 is not too different to the IPL. It is actually an offshoot of the latter tournament, which explains why it is so similar in context to the IPL. The good part about the CLT20 is that it lasts for hardly a fortnight. But, that isn't a strong enough reason for the tournament to co-exist with the IPL, is it?
--By A Cricket Analyst
