Franchise cricket has emerged as a key element of contemporary cricket, captivating audiences and offering athletes lucrative prospects. From the Indian Premier League (IPL) to the Big Bash League (BBL) and the expanding Legends League, franchise cricket has significantly enhanced the sport’s commercial and entertainment appeal. It has opened doors to previously unexplored markets, provided players with financial stability, and granted fans access to high-caliber matches year-round.
Yet, behind the dazzling facade lies a troubling reality: franchise cricket functions within a mostly unregulated framework. Issues like payment delays, unclear contracts, inadequate welfare measures, and an overcrowded calendar pose ongoing threats to players and the integrity of the sport. In the absence of proper regulation, the unchecked growth of franchise cricket risks establishing a system laden with exploitation and instability.
This article examines the obstacles confronting franchise cricket, emphasizes the critical need for regulation, and suggests practical solutions to create a just and sustainable framework for all involved.
The Growth of Franchise Cricket
The introduction of the IPL in 2008 transformed cricket, presenting a model that merged athletic excellence with entertainment. This success has led to the widespread emergence of franchise leagues globally, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL). More recently, events like the Legends League and Road Safety World Series have appealed to fans’ nostalgia by reintroducing retired cricketing icons.
Franchise cricket has revolutionized opportunities for both athletes and spectators, but its rapid commercialization also raises critical legal and regulatory considerations. Financial stability for players is one of the biggest advantages, as franchise leagues offer lucrative contracts, particularly benefiting cricketers from Associate Nations and financially weaker cricket boards. However, inconsistent payment structures and contract enforcement issues continue to pose challenges, highlighting the need for stronger regulatory oversight.
Another major development is the global market expansion facilitated by leagues such as Major League Cricket (MLC) in the U.S., which have introduced the sport to new audiences. While this expansion enhances cricket’s commercial appeal, it also raises concerns regarding jurisdictional governance, cross-border contractual obligations, and player rights protection in different regulatory environments.
Furthermore, franchise cricket ensures year-round fan engagement by featuring high-profile tournaments with international stars. However, the increasing number of leagues brings legal complexities related to broadcasting rights, sponsorship agreements, and player workload management. Without proper regulatory frameworks, issues such as contract breaches, excessive commercialization, and player exploitation could undermine the sport’s integrity.
By addressing these legal dimensions, franchise cricket can balance commercial success with fair play and regulatory compliance, ensuring its long-term sustainability. Although this advancement is commendable, it has also brought to light serious problems that require urgent resolution.
Primary Issues in Franchise Cricket
1. Delayed Payments and Financial Conflicts
A significant concern in franchise cricket is the delay or absence of salary payments. Despite the vast wealth these leagues generate, athletes often encounter financial discrepancies. Smaller leagues, in particular, are known for failing to fulfil their financial commitments.
One notable instance occurred during the Global T20 Canada (2019), where players and support staff publicly voiced concerns over unpaid wages. The situation became so dire that the Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) had to intervene, emphasizing the lack of financial safeguards in smaller leagues.
Similarly, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has faced repeated allegations of delayed or incomplete payments over the years. Even high-profile players like Andre Russell and Chris Gayle have raised concerns about the league’s financial management, exposing systemic irregularities that persist despite its established status.
Another area of concern is the Legends League Cricket, which, while offering opportunities for retired players, often operates under vague contract terms and inconsistent payment structures. Many former cricketers, who no longer have the security of national or central contracts, find themselves in precarious situations when financial commitments are not honored.
These cases highlight the urgent need for transparent payment mechanisms, standardized contracts, and stricter regulatory frameworks to ensure that players—regardless of the league they participate in—are financially protected.
For players, especially those who depend on franchise cricket as their main source of income, such delays can lead to significant financial difficulties.
2. Insufficient Player Welfare Initiatives
Franchise leagues are often criticized for overlooking player welfare. While some established leagues like the IPL and BBL offer structured support systems, smaller or newly formed leagues frequently fall short.
Despite the financial and commercial success of franchise cricket, the intense schedule and lack of long-term support systems have raised serious concerns about player welfare. One of the biggest challenges is physical strain, as cricketers are expected to compete in multiple leagues throughout the year with little recovery time. The packed calendar significantly increases the risk of injuries, especially for fast bowlers and all-rounders who endure high workloads. Players like Jofra Archer and Pat Cummins have struggled with recurring injuries due to excessive playing commitments, highlighting the need for better workload management.
In addition to physical stress, the sport’s demanding nature has led to rising mental health issues among players. Prolonged travel, extended stays in bio-bubbles, and the relentless pressure to perform have taken a toll on athletes’ well-being. Several cricketers, including Ben Stokes, Glenn Maxwell, and Virat Kohli, have openly spoken about their mental health struggles, bringing attention to the emotional burden that comes with the sport’s modern structure.
Another pressing issue is the lack of long-term security for retired players. While leagues like the Legends League Cricket offer short-term financial benefits, they often fail to provide essential post-career support such as pension plans, medical insurance, and mental health resources. Many former players, who dedicated their prime years to the game, find themselves without adequate financial or healthcare safety nets once their playing days are over.
Addressing these concerns requires a player-first approach that includes regulated workload management, enhanced mental health support, and structured post-retirement plans to ensure athletes are protected both during and after their careers.
3. Contractual Ambiguities
Franchise cricket contracts often lack transparency and disproportionately favor franchises or league organizers, leaving players in a vulnerable position. One of the most common issues is vague payment provisions, where contracts fail to specify clear payment timelines. This lack of clarity creates uncertainty for players, especially those relying solely on franchise cricket for income. Delayed payments, as seen in leagues like the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Global T20 Canada, further highlight the risks of ambiguous financial clauses.
Another major concern is insufficient insurance coverage for players. Many contracts do not adequately cover medical expenses for injuries sustained during the tournament, forcing athletes to bear the costs of rehabilitation and treatment. Given the physically demanding nature of cricket, this oversight can have serious financial and career implications, particularly for fast bowlers and all-rounders who are more prone to injuries.
Additionally, unjust termination practices remain a pressing issue, as players can be released from contracts without proper compensation or recourse. Unlike centrally contracted international cricketers, franchise players often lack the legal protection needed to challenge unfair dismissals. Cases of sudden contract cancellations, such as Sunil Narine’s exclusion from PSL 2020 over suspect bowling action concerns, highlight the lack of a standardized dispute resolution mechanism.
To protect players’ rights, there is an urgent need for clearer contract structures, enforceable payment timelines, comprehensive insurance policies, and fair termination clauses. Establishing a global regulatory framework could help ensure that franchise cricket operates with greater transparency and fairness.
4. Over-saturation and Scheduling Conflicts
The rapid proliferation of franchise leagues has led to an increasingly congested cricket calendar, creating conflicts with international commitments and putting immense physical and mental strain on players. With multiple tournaments running back-to-back, cricketers often struggle with exhaustion and a heightened risk of injuries due to insufficient recovery periods. Fast bowlers, in particular, bear the brunt of this workload, as seen in the repeated injury setbacks faced by players like Jasprit Bumrah, Jofra Archer, and Pat Cummins.
Beyond the toll on players, the oversupply of franchise cricket has also affected the sport’s quality. With matches happening throughout the year, fans may experience fatigue, leading to declining viewership in certain leagues. The fear of dilution is particularly relevant in emerging tournaments like Major League Cricket (MLC) and the UAE’s ILT20, which compete for attention alongside established leagues such as the IPL and BBL.
Perhaps the most contentious issue is the growing conflict between national and franchise commitments. Several players now opt out of international cricket to focus on franchise leagues, lured by financial incentives and workload management concerns. The decision of players like Trent Boult, Alex Hales, and Faf du Plessis to forego central contracts in favor of franchise opportunities underscores this shift. National boards face an increasing challenge in retaining their top talent, which raises questions about the long-term impact on bilateral cricket.
To address these challenges, cricket’s governing bodies must consider better scheduling coordination, workload management policies, and a balanced approach to international and franchise cricket. A structured global framework could help prevent player burnout while ensuring that both national and franchise cricket thrive without undermining each other.
Without a structured framework, these issues will persist, making it imperative to introduce regulatory mechanisms that protect players’ rights and ensure financial transparency.
The Case for Regulation
Franchise cricket currently operates without a unified regulatory framework, creating inconsistencies that leave players, franchises, and fans vulnerable to financial disputes, contract ambiguities, and exploitative practices. Without proper oversight, issues such as delayed payments, inadequate player welfare measures, and scheduling conflicts continue to threaten the sport’s long-term sustainability.
A well-structured regulatory system is crucial to secure financial stability for players, ensuring that they receive timely payments without uncertainty. Instances like Global T20 Canada (2019) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), where players struggled with unpaid wages, highlight the risks of an unregulated financial system. Implementing safeguards such as escrow accounts or centralized payment mechanisms can help mitigate these concerns.
Additionally, regulation is necessary to safeguard player welfare, particularly in terms of health, safety, and mental well-being. With cricketers facing excessive workloads and bio-bubble fatigue, leagues must provide adequate support structures, including medical insurance, workload management policies, and mental health resources. Without these safeguards, players are at risk of burnout and long-term injuries that could shorten their careers.
Finally, a regulated scheduling system is essential to uphold the integrity of the game. The rapid expansion of franchise leagues has resulted in an oversaturated cricketing calendar, forcing players to choose between national duties and franchise commitments. By introducing a structured approach to scheduling and player management, cricket’s governing bodies can prevent excessive commercialization from compromising the sport’s quality and longevity.
Regulation is not about restricting the growth of franchise cricket—it is about creating a fair, transparent, and sustainable ecosystem that protects players, maintains competition integrity, and ensures that the sport continues to thrive globally.
Lessons from Other Sports
Cricket can learn valuable lessons from other professional sports that have successfully regulated financial structures and player welfare while maintaining commercial growth. Football and basketball, in particular, offer proven models that cricket can adapt to ensure a fair and sustainable franchise ecosystem.
In football (soccer), regulatory mechanisms such as Financial Fair Play (FFP) ensure that clubs operate within their financial limits, preventing reckless spending and financial mismanagement. Additionally, FIFPRO, the global players’ union, advocates for fair contracts, timely salary payments, and player rights protection, ensuring athletes are not left vulnerable to contractual disputes. Similar structures in franchise cricket could prevent delayed payments, introduce financial accountability, and provide players with stronger legal backing in contract negotiations.
The NBA (basketball) has implemented Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) that protect players’ rights, guarantee fair salaries, and provide structured post-retirement support, including pension plans and healthcare benefits. This model could be particularly beneficial for cricket, where many retired players—especially those in legends leagues—struggle with financial security and lack adequate post-career health coverage.
By incorporating financial regulations, collective bargaining mechanisms, and stronger player unions, cricket can develop a more transparent, player-friendly, and commercially viable franchise system, ensuring both sustainability and fairness for all stakeholders.
A Framework for Regulation in Franchise Cricket
To ensure franchise cricket operates in a fair, transparent, and sustainable manner, a structured regulatory framework is essential. This can be achieved through the establishment of a global regulatory authority, a unified players’ union, standardized contracts, and a balanced playing schedule, similar to models used in other professional sports.
- Establishing a Global Regulatory Authority
A global regulatory authority, either under the International Cricket Council (ICC) or as an independent entity, should oversee franchise cricket operations to ensure financial stability and player welfare. This body would be responsible for league accreditation, ensuring tournaments meet minimum standards before approval. The Global T20 Canada (2019) incident, where players faced delayed payments, highlights the need for strict financial oversight.
Additionally, the authority should monitor player payments through escrow accounts, preventing leagues from withholding salaries. Leagues such as the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) have repeatedly delayed payments, leaving players financially insecure. A conflict resolution mechanism, similar to FIFPRO’s role in football, could also help players settle contract disputes fairly and prevent franchises from terminating contracts without due compensation.
- Forming a Global Players’ Union
A global players’ union, similar to the NBA Players’ Union, is necessary to protect cricketers’ rights across all franchise leagues. This association would ensure fair salary distribution, legal protection, and post-retirement support. Players like Trent Boult and Faf du Plessis, who have prioritized franchise cricket over national duties, would benefit from standardized guidelines on contract negotiations and financial security.
Beyond financial advocacy, the union could educate players on financial planning, contract negotiations, and mental health support. Many former cricketers struggle financially post-retirement due to the lack of pension plans in franchise leagues, making education and structured post-career programs critical.
- Standardizing Player Contracts
Franchise cricket contracts often lack uniformity and transparency, exposing players to delayed payments, insufficient insurance, and unfair terminations. In leagues such as Legends League Cricket, retired players frequently sign contracts with unclear financial terms, leading to payment disputes.
A standardized contract framework should include fixed payment schedules, ensuring that players receive their salaries within a specified timeframe. Delayed payments have been a recurring issue in leagues like the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) and Global T20 Canada, leaving players financially uncertain. Introducing strict penalties for late payments and securing salaries through escrow accounts would provide greater financial security for cricketers.
Additionally, comprehensive medical insurance must be a mandatory provision in all franchise contracts. Injuries sustained during tournaments often leave players struggling with medical expenses, as many leagues fail to cover rehabilitation costs. A well-structured insurance policy should extend beyond a player’s active career, ensuring post-retirement healthcare support, particularly for those who lack national board contracts.
Another critical aspect is a fair revenue-sharing model, which guarantees that players receive a just portion of league profits. The NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) serve as an excellent example, protecting player earnings while ensuring financial stability. A similar system in franchise cricket would help players benefit from the league’s commercial success, creating a more equitable financial ecosystem.
These measures would prevent exploitation and promote financial security, creating a more transparent system for franchise cricketers.
- Reforming the Cricket Calendar
The rise of franchise leagues has led to player exhaustion, injuries, and conflicts with international cricket, forcing players to choose between national duties and T20 contracts. Fast bowlers, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer, have suffered frequent injuries due to excessive workloads, demonstrating the urgent need for structured scheduling.
To protect player welfare and ensure career longevity, it is essential to introduce mandatory rest periods between tournaments. The relentless schedule of franchise cricket has led to frequent injuries, particularly among fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer, who have struggled with recurring fitness issues due to excessive workloads. Implementing designated recovery periods would help reduce injury risks, maintain peak performance levels, and extend players’ careers.
Additionally, a structured approach should be taken to limit the number of franchise tournaments a player can participate in per year. Many cricketers, in pursuit of financial opportunities, play across multiple leagues without adequate rest, leading to burnout and inconsistent performances. Setting a cap on participation would allow players to balance commercial commitments with national duties, ensuring both international cricket and franchise leagues thrive without compromising player well-being.
Furthermore, it is crucial to resolve the growing conflict between national and franchise commitments. Several players, such as Alex Hales, have opted out of international duty in favor of franchise cricket, creating tension between national boards and leagues. Establishing a clear framework that defines player availability for international and domestic competitions would help prevent such dilemmas, allowing cricketers to honor both obligations without compromising either.
By optimizing the global cricket calendar, the sport can maintain high-quality competition, protect player welfare, and ensure long-term sustainability. By implementing these regulatory measures, franchise cricket can balance commercial success, player welfare, and the integrity of the sport. A central regulatory body, stronger player representation, standardized contracts, and a streamlined playing schedule will create a sustainable and ethical ecosystem, ensuring that players are protected while allowing the game to continue its global expansion.
Conclusion
Franchise cricket has revolutionized the sport, offering players financial security and expanding the game’s global presence. However, its unchecked growth and lack of regulation have created serious challenges—delayed payments, player exploitation, contractual ambiguities, and an unsustainable schedule—that threaten the very foundation of the sport. Without immediate reform, franchise cricket risks becoming a system that prioritizes profits over players, jeopardizing both careers and cricket’s long-term credibility.
To prevent this, cricket must embrace a structured and transparent regulatory framework, drawing inspiration from successful models in football and basketball. By enforcing financial accountability, standardized contracts, player welfare policies, and balanced scheduling, the game can ensure that commercial success does not come at the expense of its most valuable asset—the players. A well-regulated franchise ecosystem will not only protect cricketers from exploitation but also enhance the sport’s integrity, ensuring that leagues operate with fairness and professionalism.
If cricket’s governing bodies fail to act now, franchise leagues could soon overshadow international cricket, leaving players at risk and the sport’s heritage in jeopardy. The time for change is not tomorrow—it is today. Cricket stands at a crossroads, and the decisions made today will shape the future of the sport. Implementing strong governance, ethical business practices, and sustainable player management will create a system where franchise cricket thrives without compromising fairness, transparency, or player well-being. By acting decisively, stakeholders can transform franchise cricket into a model of professionalism—one that safeguards its players, captivates its fans, and secures the game’s legacy for generations to come.