Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @Chappelli123
Former Australian cricketer Ian Chappell has expressed concern over the growing influence of IPL franchises in global cricket leagues. He believes that if IPL teams continue to expand their presence, players may become more loyal to their franchises than to their national teams.
Recent reports suggest that IPL franchises are eyeing investments in The Hundred, with the GMR Group, owner of Delhi Capitals, reportedly purchasing a stake in the Southern Brave. This move could encourage other IPL teams to follow suit. Many former cricketers have voiced their concerns, including Chappell, who warned that players might prioritize their franchise commitments over international duties if IPL ownership in other T20 leagues continues to grow.
“The trend of successful companies having a greater say in the running of the game is increasing rapidly as IPL owners already own large stakes in T20 teams playing in the UAE, USA, South Africa, and the Caribbean. The shrewd owners are also starting to sign top-rated players to longer contracts and that should be a warning to cricket administrations,” Ian Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
“The better players could become beholden to an IPL owner rather than their own cricket board. That is when conflict of interest becomes a divisive issue,” he added.
Ian Chappell also criticized cricket administrators for not having a clear plan for the future of the game and failing to anticipate the consequences.
“This isn’t a surprise as the game in most countries desperately needs money and the IPL owners are financially flush. Cricket administrators must accept the blame for not producing a long-term blueprint for the game a couple of decades ago,” Chappell stated.
“That way they could at least have had a viable plan for the game to deal with this issue. That is unless cricket administrators worldwide are convinced the future is purely the T20 game run by rich franchises,” he further added.
IPL franchises have expanded into major T20 leagues worldwide, acquiring teams in the Caribbean Premier League, Major League Cricket, SA20, and UAE leagues.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is in talks with IPL franchises about stake percentages in The Hundred teams. The ECB proposed that 51% of the stake remain with the eight hosts, including seven counties and Marylebone Cricket Club for London Spirit. However, IPL franchises are pushing for a 51% stake in their respective teams.
