Franchise vs. Nation: Is Cricket’s Loyalty Shifting?

In a rapidly globalizing world, cricket is undergoing a transformation unlike anything seen before. What once stood as a battle of national pride has now evolved into a clash of franchises, sponsors, and streaming rights. With the rise of leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), SA20, ILT20, and Major League Cricket (MLC), franchise cricket has not just entered the scene—it has taken center stage. But at what cost?

Cricket’s evolving landscape—from national rivalries to franchise glam.

The Franchise Boom

The Indian Premier League was the first domino. Launched in 2008, the IPL revolutionized cricket’s format, pay structure, and commercial appeal. It didn’t take long for other countries to follow suit. The SA20 in South Africa, UAE’s ILT20, and the USA’s MLC are now drawing international players with lucrative contracts and massive viewership.

The Squeeze on International Cricket

The biggest concern is obvious—scheduling. As the franchise windows grow, bilateral series are getting compressed, postponed, or even cancelled. Test cricket is bearing the brunt, and ODI series that don’t involve India, Australia, or England barely draw attention.

The most recent example: South Africa chose to send a second-string squad for a Test series against New Zealand in early 2025, prioritizing their main players for SA20. Similarly, several West Indies stars have prioritized ILT20 or MLC over their national team duties.

When franchises call, international cricket gets sidelined.

Players at the Crossroads

Players, especially from countries with weaker boards or lower pay scales, are facing tough choices. A short-term franchise contract may pay more than an entire year of representing one’s nation. While stars like Virat Kohli or Steve Smith can afford to prioritize international cricket, others cannot ignore the financial opportunities.

And it’s not just fringe players—some big names have already begun retiring from formats like ODIs or Tests to fully commit to franchise cricket.

Lucrative leagues tempting players away from national duties.

The Changing Definition of Loyalty

Is representing a nation still the highest honour? Or has the definition of cricketing success evolved into securing IPL contracts and global stardom? For younger players, international selection is increasingly seen as a stepping stone to franchise riches—not the final goal.

This shift in mindset is perhaps the most alarming change—a slow but clear drift from the roots of cricket’s legacy.

The dream has changed—from national pride to private contracts.

Can Both Coexist?

All is not lost. Some boards, like the BCCI, ECB, and Cricket Australia, are trying to find balance. Fixed windows for IPL, The Hundred, and BBL are being considered to minimize conflict with international duties. Additionally, there’s talk of revamping the Future Tours Programme (FTP) to integrate franchise tournaments officially.

Can a unified calendar save both formats?

Franchise cricket is not the villain—it is a natural evolution in the sport’s economic landscape. But the challenge lies in preserving the spirit and relevance of international cricket amid this transformation.

If managed well, both can coexist, enriching the sport for players and fans alike. But if not, we may soon find ourselves reminiscing about the days when India vs. Pakistan or Ashes clashes were the year’s most anticipated events—not IPL playoffs or SA20 finals.