Abu Dhabi: The Champions League T20 (CLT20) has been unable to leverage itself the way one would have expected. With the sixth edition set to begin with the qualifiers on Saturday, the tournament is still struggling to catch the pulse of cricket fanatics — being a far cry from the response the Indian Premier League (IPL) has created.
Based on the lines of the Uefa Champions League, CLT20 would have hoped to have a fan base like the former by now and a profound intensity to keep the fans awake from all continents to watch their favourite teams in action. But, somehow, the response has been lukewarm.
In all editions, the general interest has been low and the response at grounds been lackadaisical. Adding to the woes, at times, critics have also come hard and repeatedly expressed their displeasure over the tournament being jointly administered by the BCCI, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa.
Justifiable criticism
To an extent, their criticism is justifiable as it has immensely affected the Indian team, who have an incredibly packed international calendar. Take this year’s example: with the ODI World Cup lurking in four months’ time, India being the defending champions should have ideally used this window as an opportunity to build up towards it. However, most of their players will be a part of the tournament straight after the gruelling England series.
What has also hit the tournament at times is the unavailability of teams from top cricket-playing nations. International commitments have clashed with this event and teams from England have repeatedly stayed away from the tournament.
Since the CLT20 has existed, West Indies, Australia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have all jumped into the modern cricket frenzy and launched their own T20 leagues — the Caribbean Premier League in 2013, the Big Bash League in 2011, Sri Lanka Premier League in 2012 and Bangladesh Premier League in 2012. No prizes for guessing, there has been an overdose of this format for the fans.
No Bangladesh team has yet participated in the CLT20 and the Dhaka Gladiators, winners of the 2013 BPL, were excluded in 2013 despite the efforts of their management. The tournament so far is clearly targeting the Indian audience, with four Indian teams participating.
CLT20, however, has made a huge contribution as far as the Indian Premier League is concerned as it allows the franchises the prefect platform to scout for new talents.
But Sundar Raman, COO of CLT20, is confident that this season will be different. “It is a quality tournament with quality teams and top players playing in it. The teams for this season are really strong and that will make the tournament more competitive,” Raman told Gulf News.
“Definitely, the response over the years have increased and we have seen significant rises in the fan following. So I wouldn’t say the tournament has not picked up.
“Local teams also have a huge support and we are confident of a good crowd turnout this time round.”
