Evolution of International Cricket
Evolution of International Cricket
INTRODUCTION :
The ICC is the global governing body for cricket. Representing 108 members, the ICC
governs and administrates the game and works with our members to grow the sport. The ICC
is also responsible for the staging of all ICC Events. The ICC presides over the ICC Code of
Conduct, playing conditions, the Decision Review System and other ICC regulations. The
ICC also appoints all match officials that officiate at all sanctioned international matches.
Through the Anti-Corruption Unit it coordinates action against corruption and match fixing
Cricket was introduced to North America via the English colonies as early as the 17th
century, and in the 18th century it arrived in other parts of the globe. It was introduced to the
West Indies by colonists and to India by British East India Company mariners. It arrived in
Australia almost as soon as colonization began in 1788 and the sport reached New Zealand
and South Africa in the early years of the 19th century. The first ever international cricket
game was played between the USA and Canada in 1844 at the St George's Cricket Club in
New York and in 1859 a team of leading English professionals visited North America on the
first-ever overseas tour. In 1862 the first English team toured Australia and six years later a
team of Australian Aborigines toured England in what was the first Australian cricket team to
travel overseas.In 1877, an England touring team in Australia played two matches against full
Australian XIs that are now regarded as the first Test matches. The following year, the
Australians toured England for the first time and the success of this tour ensured a popular
demand for similar ventures in future. At The Oval in 1882, the Australian victory in a tense
2
YUVA Model United Nations
finish gave rise to The Ashes. South Africa subsequently became the third Test nation in
1889.
In 1890 the official County Championship was constituted in England. The Currie Cup
started in South Africa in 1889-90 and the Sheffield Shield in Australia three years later. The
period from 1890 to the outbreak of the First World War has become known as the “Golden
Age of cricket” as it featured numerous great names such as Grace, Wilfred Rhodes, C. B.
The first Test match, played by two national teams, was between Australia and England in
Melbourne in 1877, with Australia winning. When Australia again won at the Oval at
Kennington, London, in 1882, the Sporting Times printed an obituary notice announcing that
English cricket would be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia, thus creating the “play
In 1907 South Africa first played Test matches in England and also took on Australia, whose
dominance between the two World Wars was symbolized by the prodigious run scoring of Sir
Don Bradman. This period saw a notable growth in the number of Test match countries with
the arrival of the West Indies in 1928, New Zealand in 1930, and India in 1932.
After World War II there were Test matches in England every summer, Australia being the
most frequent visitor, and the Test ranks were increased by the addition of Pakistan in 1952.
There was a steady escalation of tours between the Test-playing countries to the extent that,
while the first 500 Test matches were spread over 84 years, the next 500 occupied only 23.
Sri Lanka’s entry in 1982 as the eighth Test-playing country came during an era dominated
by the West Indies, whose devastating attack was founded, for the first time in cricket history,
3
YUVA Model United Nations
on four fast bowlers. Zimbabwe was admitted as a Test country in 1992 and Bangladesh in
2000.
One-day internationals—answering the complaint that Test matches went on too long—began
in 1972. In 1975 the first World Cup was contested in England in a series of one-day matches
of 60 overs a side (the number of overs was reduced to 50 in 1987). The event was a great
success and continued at four-year intervals. It was held outside England, in India and
The first men’s T20 International match was played on February 17, 2005, with the New
Zealand vs Australia fixture in Auckland. Australia, the then ODI World Cup champions,
won the contest by 44 runs after making 214-5 in their 20 overs.The success of the inaugural
T20 World Cup, known as World Twenty20 in 2007, further attracted audiences beyond
traditional cricket-following nations and made T20 the most played format of cricket
worldwide.The Twenty20 Cup turned out to be a success and eventually after initial
reservations, all cricket boards started to go with the newest format of the game. Currently,
there are more than 100 countries that play T20 Internationals compared to 16 in One-Day
Internationals (50-over cricket) and 12 nations in the five-day Test format. The International
Cricket Council has stated that it sees T20 as the most suitable format for taking the game
globally.
The franchising model in sports management implies the existence of a franchisor and several
franchisees. The governing body which organizes and manages the sports league can be
4
YUVA Model United Nations
referred to as the franchisor. These franchisors are in control of the overall business of the
league. They can control which teams are allowed to participate in the league.
The franchisor has the legal right to decide which teams are allowed to play in the league.
They use this right and give other businesses the territorial rights to own and operate a team
For instance, the New York Yankees have the exclusive right to represent the city of New
York in major league baseball. Similarly, the Chicago Bulls have an exclusive right to
These exclusive rights are valuable to franchises because they eliminate competition at the
local level. It allows them to build a loyal fanbase from audiences who stay in that
Hence, it can be said that just like in business franchising, sports franchising is an agreement
between a franchisor and the franchisee in which the franchisor grants the exclusive rights to
for money.
Just like franchising in other businesses, the franchises have to operate within the guidelines
issued by the franchisor and may also be required to give out a certain percentage of their
It needs to be understood that exclusive territorial rights form the basis of any sports
franchising agreement. Other monetary terms and conditions are secondary and vary
Few examples of franchise based cricket leagues are Indian Premier League, Big Bash
5
YUVA Model United Nations
According to the latest edition of the ‘India Sports Sponsorship Report’ published by
GroupM ESP, the industry has swelled 6.5 times since the IPL boom in 2008. Its revenue
from sponsorship, endorsement, and advertising spending has grown from Rs. 2,423 crore in
2008 to a whopping Rs. 15,766 crore in 2023. Remarkably, this is the first time the industry
has breached the 15,000-crore mark.This massive upsurge in the commercialization of the
6
YUVA Model United Nations
most popular sport in India was largely driven by the IPL, whose brand value has ballooned
“While the IPL system has grown in brand valuation by 433 per cent, the learning curve
gained by the industry through this ultra-competitive cricket league has had a snowballing
effect on Indian sports. The past decade has witnessed a six-fold increment in the industry,
including cricket and emerging sports,” says Vinit Karnik, head of entertainment, esports and
The introduction of T20 cricket has made the ODI format lose its charm. People do not enjoy
it as much as they used to in the past. As there are a number of franchise-based T20 leagues,
and now we have T10 leagues as well, it's becoming really difficult for the ODI format.
Meanwhile, even the Test format also seems to be providing a lot of entertainment to the fans
after the way Australia, England, India, New Zealand and other teams have been playing in
the format lately. England and Australia have always given top priority to Test cricket. But
since the introduction of T20 cricket, people have lost their patience to sit through an entire
Even to perform better in the franchise- based cricket leagues, many international players are
prioritizing these leagues over representing their country in world cups, test series, etc .
The months of April and May mean only one thing for India’s army of cricket fans; the
Indian Premier League (IPL). The BCCI announced the Indian Premier League in 2007
around the time the inaugural edition of the Twenty20 (T20) Cricket World Cup was taking
7
YUVA Model United Nations
place. T20 was the newest format of the game, fast paced and played over three hours as
opposed to the other two formats which take a whole day or five days.
The first season was played in the Indian summer in 2008 over 44 days featuring eight Indian
city-based franchises owned by some of the country’s richest business groups. The current
The rise of the league is also mirrored by its valuation. A Brand Finance report states the
brand valuation of the league has risen from $2 billion in 2009 to $10.7 billion in 2023.
IPL is celebrated like a festival in India, with stadium-packed fans, community screenings
and a lot more. Cricket is an emotion in India and IPL is the representation of that
emotion.Apart from the emotional factor, IPL contributes a lot to the economic factor. From
BCCI to the Broadcaster, from Brands to the common man who sells the franchise’s
The Big Bash League is one of the most popular leagues in the world. Second, possibly only
to the Indian Premier League in terms of viewership and quality of cricket, the Big Bash
League has been innovative in every facet. Like the IPL, the BBL attracts players from all
across the world, which makes the tournament an even riveting watch. In addition, the
surfaces in the BBL have something in them for both the batsmen and bowlers, which make
the overall cricket a delight to watch.Another reason behind BBL’s popularity is the
innovations it brings. BBL has always been a step ahead in innovations, introducing the bat
flip instead of the traditional coin toss or elements like Power Surge, X-Factor Player and the
Bash Boost. The tournament is majorly played between Dec to Feb each year.
The Caribbean Premier league is a premier T20 competition that takes place in the West
Indies every year. The region’s elite cricket tournament, stars from the world of cricket
8
YUVA Model United Nations
participate annually as they battle it out to become champions of one of sport’s most
entertaining competitions.
Here, readers will find out everything they need to know about the Caribbean Premier League
starting with its inauguration in 2013 and the standout moments that have brought us to the
current version.Although still seen as a modern league to its tender age, one hot rivalry does
exist in the CPL and that is between Trinbago Knight Riders and the Guyana Amazon
Warriors.
Each squad comprises 15 players with a maximum of four overseas stars, plus no more than
The structure of cricket leagues is composed of several components that play a crucial role in
9
YUVA Model United Nations
1. Team Formation and Ownership: The teams are established either through auctions
2. PlayerAuctions and Transfers: Prior to each season, players are bought and sold
3. League Format and Fixtures: The leagues can adopt either round-robin formats or
group stages, where teams compete against each other to qualify for playoffs or
knockout stages.
4. Points System and Standings: The teams earn points for wins, losses, and ties, and
5. Playoffs and Knockout Stages: The top-performing teams engage in playoffs and
The structure of cricket leagues ensures fair competition, facilitates player transfers, and
Team formation and ownership in cricket leagues play a vital role in determining the success
significant role in identifying and recruiting talented players for a competitive team.
10
YUVA Model United Nations
● Financial responsibilities: Team owners are responsible for managing the team’s
costs.
● Player Auctions: Teams bid for players in an auction before the start of each season,
with the highest bidder securing the player’s services. This process ensures a fair
● Transfers: During the league, teams can Transfer players among themselves, often in
player salaries. Factors such as performance, experience, and demand for a player
Player auctions and transfers play a crucial role in shaping the composition of teams and
adding excitement to cricket leagues. They provide opportunities for players to showcase
their skills in different teams and enable teams to strengthen their line-ups strategically.
income.
Ticket Sales: Fans purchase tickets to watch matches live, directly contributing to the
Merchandising: Official merchandise, such as team jerseys, caps, and other cricket-related
11
YUVA Model United Nations
Companies sponsor teams, tournaments, and players, offering financial support in exchange
for brand visibility, thereby boosting revenue generation. Sponsorships and broadcasting
rights play a pivotal role in the success of cricket leagues, providing substantial financial
support. These elements are essential as they help attract top teams, players, and viewership,
From jersey branding to title sponsorships, there are various sponsorship opportunities
available. Additionally, the sale of exclusive media coverage to television networks or online
streaming platforms allows fans worldwide to watch their favorite teams and players in
action.
Notably, popular brands such as Pepsi, Vodafone, and Nike often sponsor cricket leagues. The
deals for broadcasting rights can generate millions of dollars, thereby contributing
Television and digital platforms pay significant amounts for broadcasting rights, particularly
for high-profile matches, contributing to revenue generation which is known as Media Rights.
In the Media Rights section, we conducted a comparative analysis of the IPL alongside nine
other prominent professional leagues: NFL, NBA, NHL, EPL, Major League Baseball
(MLB), La Liga Santander (LLS), National Rugby League (NRL), Major League Soccer
(MLS), and Pakistan Super League (PSL). These leagues include the top six leagues in terms
of overall league revenue in 2020 and three developing leagues, providing a comprehensive
perspective on the IPL’s global positioning. The inclusion of the PSL (Pakistan Super
League) was motivated by its status as a renowned cricket league, allowing for an insightful
evaluation of the IPL within the international cricket landscape. To ensure consistency across
12
YUVA Model United Nations
all leagues, we focused on Media Rights deals post the year 2000, considering each league’s
different foundations.
Player contracts play a crucial role in cricket leagues, ensuring fair competition and financial
Player Contracts: Teams sign contracts with players specifying the duration, remuneration,
and other terms. These contracts protect both parties’ rights and provide stability.
Player contracts have evolved over time, becoming more comprehensive and legally binding
agreements.
These mechanisms have contributed to the growth and sustainability of cricket leagues
worldwide.
INTERNATIONAL CRICKET
The BCCI's annual reports from the five years leading up to 2021-22, publicly available on
their website, reveal an accumulated surplus of a staggering 320 billion rupees, equivalent to
$2.7 billion as of April 2022. A significant portion of this wealth has been generated through
the Indian Premier League (IPL), with the 2021 edition alone bringing in a net income of
$292 million. This income was derived from total revenues of $771 million and expenses
totaling $479 million, as corroborated by audited financial records.The IPL, with its blend of
money, glamour, and aggressive cricket, has been a significant contributor to the BCCI's
financial prowess. Ticket sales, media rights, and sponsorships all form part of the IPL's
13
YUVA Model United Nations
revenue. The BCCI shares 50% of the earnings with the franchise teams and retains the rest.
Franchises also contribute approximately 20% of their total revenue to the BCCI at the end of
the series. The massive viewership of IPL, with more than 400 billion viewing minutes,
attracts hefty sponsorships and advertising deals, generating substantial income for the BCCI.
The Franchise-Based Leagues injects substantial revenue into the economy through ticket
sales, sponsorships, and broadcasting rights, thus bolstering tax revenues for both central and
state governments.
Moreover, their presence sparks a surge in tourism and hospitality, providing a welcome
Leagues not only enhances the sporting experience but also leaves a lasting legacy for the
region. Additionally, the league's global reach promotes India as a capable organiser of
efforts between the government and FBL’s franchises further leverage the league's platform
for social initiatives, amplifying their impact on key issues. From employment opportunities
to brand enhancement and security arrangements, the FBL’s continues to demonstrate its
welfare.
In Franchise-Based Leagues a team can have few international players for example in a IPL
team maximum 4 international players are allowed. The global fans of these players get
targeted.
14
YUVA Model United Nations
Most of the emerging players are first given the opportunity to play in Franchise-Based
Leagues . Over there they are tested for a position in the national team. Along with this, these
players also get a chance to train and learn under international and national cricketing heroes.
Talent is always first seen on the grassroots level. The beloved cricketing heroes of not only
the nation but also of globe like Ravichandran Ashwin and Jaspirt Bumrah were not that well
known till they showed their talent playing for their respective IPL teams.
For the aspiring cricketers, Franchise-Based Leagues are the base ground to train and be
INTERNATIONAL CRICKET :
franchise-based leagues. They range from player fatigue to scheduling and public conflicts,
The overlap between international series and FBL seasons has created a chaotic
15
YUVA Model United Nations
globally, players often find themselves torn between representing their national teams
overloaded schedules, increasing the risk of burnout among players. The World
Cricketers' Association has highlighted that the current cricketing calendar is "broken
and unsustainable," noting that the lack of clarity in scheduling forces players to make
difficult choices between their national duties and career optimization through
franchise participation. As a result, many players have expressed concerns about the
toll such demands take on their physical and mental well-being, potentially leading to
The prioritization of FBL contracts over national duties poses a significant dilemma
for players. With substantial financial incentives associated with franchise leagues,
many cricketers are increasingly inclined to prioritize these commitments, which can
shift in loyalty can disrupt team cohesion, as players may miss crucial training
Additionally, this trend has led to early retirements from certain formats of the game,
as players opt to focus solely on FBLs where they can secure greater financial
stability and career longevity. The implications of this shift are profound, as it not
only affects individual careers but also impacts the competitive integrity of
international cricket.
16
YUVA Model United Nations
In summary, the challenges posed by FBLs highlight the need for a coherent global
structure that accommodates both international cricket and domestic leagues while
● Jos Buttler, the England captain, has faced criticism for leaving the Indian
Premier League (IPL) 2024 early to prepare for the T20 World Cup. Despite
being a crucial player for Rajasthan Royals, Buttler prioritized national duties,
necessary for a preparatory series against Pakistan before the World Cup.
T20 leagues, having already concluded his T20 international career after the
World Cup. Shakib's shift towards franchise cricket reflects a broader trend
● Liam Livingstone also left the IPL 2024 early to join the England squad for a
T20I series against Pakistan. His decision underscores the ongoing conflict
17
YUVA Model United Nations
● Sam Curran, who captained Punjab Kings in IPL 2024, was another player
who departed early to join the England team for their series against Pakistan.
His choice illustrates how players are increasingly navigating the pressures of
● Moeen Ali is among several England players who opted to leave the IPL early
in favor of national duties. His exit from the tournament highlights the
The above case studies illustrate the growing trend of cricketers facing the dilemma, and
choosing a specific path for their careers with profit orientation as a priority.
cricket, particularly concerning smaller cricketing nations, governance by the ICC, cricket
formats, and the long-term implications for the sport. Below is an expanded discussion on
● Resource Imbalance and Brain Drain: Smaller cricketing nations often struggle with
limited resources compared to wealthier boards like the BCCI (Board of Control for
Cricket in India). This disparity leads to a brain drain, where talented players from
these nations migrate to wealthier leagues for better financial opportunities. For
18
YUVA Model United Nations
instance, players from Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have sought contracts in leagues
like the IPL or Big Bash League (BBL), leaving their national teams depleted of
talent.
top cricketing nations exacerbates the challenges faced by smaller boards. The BCCI's
smaller boards. This imbalance is evident in the ICC's revenue distribution model,
which favors larger boards, limiting the growth potential of smaller nations.
● Governance and Regulation of FBLs: The ICC plays a crucial role in regulating FBLs
to ensure they do not undermine international cricket. However, critics argue that the
ICC has struggled to maintain a coherent governance structure that balances domestic
highlighted the need for better scheduling and governance to protect player welfare
● Global Calendar Management: The ICC's management of the global cricket calendar
is vital for ensuring coexistence between international cricket and FBLs. Recent
accommodates both formats. The ICC's efforts to include T20 leagues within its
framework have been met with mixed reactions, as seen with the introduction of new
19
YUVA Model United Nations
● Shift in Popularity from Traditional Formats: There has been a noticeable decline in
viewership for Test and ODI formats as audiences gravitate towards T20 leagues. For
example, the IPL has consistently drawn larger crowds and viewership numbers
report indicated that ODI viewership dropped significantly during IPL seasons,
● Emergence of New Formats: Innovations such as The Hundred in England have been
introduced to attract new audiences. This format received mixed reviews; while it
aimed to engage younger fans, its long-term impact on traditional formats remains
uncertain. The ECB invested heavily in marketing The Hundred, raising questions
● Role of ICC in Safeguarding International Cricket's Integrity: The ICC must play a
20
YUVA Model United Nations
for player participation in both international and franchise formats while ensuring
Conclusion
The challenges posed by franchise-based leagues are reshaping the landscape of international
cricket. Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from governing bodies like the
ICC to balance commercial interests with the preservation of traditional formats and national
representation. As cricket continues to evolve, finding sustainable solutions will be crucial for
APPENDIX
https://www.icc-cricket.com/about
https://www.icc-cricket.com/about/cricket/history-of-cricket/early-cricket
https://www.britannica.com/sports/cricket-sport/Test-matches
https://www.britannica.com/sports/Twenty20-cricket
https://olympics.com/en/news/first-t20-cricket-match
https://www.managementstudyguide.com/what-is-sports-franchising.htm
https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/ipl-news/ipl-2024-business-model-indian-sport
s-industry-how-the-ipl-changed-indian-cricket-since-inception/article67967830.ece
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/media/entertainment/media/ipl-2024-ind
ian-premier-league-smashes-viewership-records-35-crores-tune-in-on-star-sports-for-fir
st-10-ipl-matches/articleshow/109033254.cms?from=mdr
https://www.reuters.com/graphics/CRICKET-IPL/klvynexrypg/
21
YUVA Model United Nations
https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/jan/24/big-bash-league-bbl-t20-cricket-ipl-pop
ularity-salaries-players
https://www.socios.com/all-about-caribbean-premier-league/
https://www.thehundred.com/info/what-is-the-hundred
https://blog.sixescricket.com/cricket-leagues/
https://medium.com/@ChaviBehl/how-do-major-cricket-leagues-contribute-to-the-local
-economies-of-host-cities-c4f0badbb4d6
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/ipl-salaries-vs-bcci-contracts-a-look-
at-how-much-indian-cricketers-earn/articleshow/108107892.cms?from=mdr
https://www.dailyo.in/ground/5-indian-cricketers-whose-careers-started-and-ended-wit
h-ipl-39248
22