Cricket News: Is IPL and franchise leagues leaving International Cricket in deep water?

Soon after, Ben Stokes retired from the 50-over format in his prime form, citing 'unsustainable' pressure to continue with all three formats. The buzz around the 50-over format becoming dead amid the rise of T20 and T10 leagues became intense following this retirement.

With so much cricket rising in the form of many different leagues worldwide, it is challenging for the concerned authorities to find cross-format success.

Former ICC's head of strategy Jon Long said, "IPL is strengthening its position as the Premier League or NBA of cricket." 

The concern ignited when New Zealand pacer Trent Boult withdrew from the central contract and said he would continue with domestic cricket for a while. The number 1 ODI bowler requested board for the same to spend more time with his family, despite being informed that his international career will be 'significantly reduced.'

As soon as this announcement took to the public domain, a different trend looked to be set. Many fans feared that other players might follow the trend and take the path of partial retirement set by Trent Bout and Ben Stokes.

The way these lucrative leagues attract players from different countries and the spontaneity of which players will be seen in which league and team have added to the excitement surrounding these cash-rich leagues. 

The future of cricket can be predicted quite conveniently in another four to five years or even early. With the revolution that IPL brought in the lives of cricket players, the shift in the thinking minds of players and viewers is evident. 

"It's going the way as football in Europe. Is this what we're going to have, the World Cup and the rest of the time playing club (T20 franchise) cricket? The ICC has to put more time into that to see how they can ensure the survival of one-day cricket, test match cricket, not only club cricket," remarked legendary Kapil Dev.

To keep the value surrounding international cricket alive, striking a balance between countries' fixtures and franchise leagues will be crucial. 

Kumar Sangakkara said, "It is pretty much understood that all contracts are below an international contract. I am sure that there is a balance that can be struck. It can never be an ideal balance or a perfect balance, but there is the ability to balance it out so that the home boards and players get benefit."

Thus, the picture is likely to get even more precise with the reveal of the international calendar, especially after the 2023 ODI World Cup. If ICC failed to address the concern raised by players on workload amid rising franchise leagues, the cricket sector might witness a hit. 

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