Cricket’s global landscape is changing faster than ever before. The rapid expansion of franchise leagues, the growing influence of broadcasters and an increasingly crowded calendar are reshaping how the sport is consumed, funded and played. While international cricket remains the foundation of the game, questions are increasingly being asked about what the balance between bilateral cricket, ICC events and domestic leagues will look like in the years ahead. In an exclusive interview with RevSportz, Boria Majumdar spoke to Arun Dhumal about the forces driving that transformation and what it could mean for cricket’s future.
Franchise cricket’s growing influence
The growth of T20 leagues across multiple markets has created new opportunities for players, broadcasters and administrators, while also intensifying the competition for space on the global calendar. From established tournaments such as the IPL and Big Bash League to newer competitions in emerging markets, franchise cricket now occupies a larger place in the sport than ever before.
Discussing that shift, Dhumal said, “Many Associate nations that do not even have ODI status are launching leagues. If cricket follows football’s path, we need to be prepared for that reality because, ultimately, it is the fans and broadcasters who fund the game.”
His comments reflect a broader debate within cricket about whether the sport could gradually move towards a structure where franchise competitions command a larger share of attention, revenues and player commitments.
The economics behind the shift
As cricket continues to expand commercially, financial realities remain central to many of the decisions shaping the sport. Broadcast revenues have become the backbone of modern cricket economics, influencing everything from scheduling decisions to the viability of competitions.
Speaking about that dynamic, he added, “Broadcasters are the most important stakeholders. They hold both BCCI and IPL rights, and we have seen that every cricketing nation wants a series against India because it helps monetise the game.”
The IPL Chairman also acknowledged the importance of financial sustainability in maintaining the game’s global ecosystem.
Reflecting on the lessons of recent years, he said, “Money is important. During the COVID period, we did our duty diligently because cricket needed to survive and grow globally.”
That commercial reality has helped drive the emergence of additional franchise competitions around the world.
Addressing that trend, Dhumal stated, “However, there is a limit to how much bilateral cricket India can play. That is why we have seen the rise of competitions such as the Big Bash, The Hundred and SA20.”
Why Test cricket still matters
Despite the growing influence of franchise cricket, Dhumal does not believe the traditional formats are destined to disappear. Instead, he sees opportunities for Test cricket to remain relevant if administrators continue to develop the format thoughtfully.
Discussing the longest format, he said, “I still think there is a lot of love for Test cricket.”
As evidence, Dhumal pointed to the strong interest generated by recent marquee series.
He noted, “The India-England Test series in England last year captured the imagination of fans, and people were invested in seeing how it unfolded.”
While acknowledging the challenges facing bilateral cricket, he remains optimistic about the future of Test matches in the right markets.
Expanding on that view, Dhumal said, “There remains significant scope for Test cricket. We simply need to work out how best to utilise it. There are markets and teams where the appetite for Test cricket remains very strong.”
Managing the modern cricket calendar
The rise of franchise leagues has created additional opportunities for players but has also intensified concerns about workload management. With international commitments, ICC tournaments and domestic leagues all competing for time, administrators face increasingly complex scheduling decisions.
Addressing that challenge, Dhumal added, “With bilateral cricket, ICC events and franchise leagues all competing for space, player burnout is a genuine concern.”
The issue has become particularly significant as players spend more time travelling and competing across multiple tournaments during the year.
Looking ahead, Dhumal stressed the need for a coordinated approach to managing the calendar.
He said, “We need to plan carefully in the next cycle to manage workloads and provide greater value to fans.”
Cricket’s unique position in India
Even as the sport evolves, Dhumal believes cricket’s position within India remains unmatched by any other form of entertainment or competition.
Discussing the scale of cricket’s popularity, he noted, “Whether we like it or not, India is a one-sport country. There is nothing that can compete with cricket.”
That enduring popularity continues to underpin the success of the IPL and the wider cricket ecosystem. As the sport navigates an increasingly complex future, Dhumal’s message is that administrators must be prepared for change while ensuring cricket’s strongest traditions and formats continue to have a place in the global game.
