Two World T20s might replace CT in the span of 4 years: Dave Richardson

The Champions Trophy finals between India and Pakistan garnered the second most views in the history of the game, with the 2011 World Cup final being the only one above the match. As per the recent talks, the 2017 edition of Champions Trophy might well be the final edition of the tournament.

However, it is not the first time that there are talks around suggesting the death of CT, with the ICC taking up this issue on more than one occasion. In its place, the ICC is mulling the idea of holding two World T20 tournaments in a four-year cycle. ICC’s CEO Dave Richardson said that the governing body is trying to capitalise on the popularity of the shortest format of the game.

World Cup is becoming more like the Champions Trophy

“It’s always been quite difficult to distinguish or differentiate between the two 50-over global events. With the World Cup becoming a ten-team event, it’s almost like the World Cup is becoming more like the Champions Trophy, which I think is a good thing,” Richardson said.

“I think it (World Cup) will still be a longer event. The World Cup format will allow the best chance for the best four teams to get into the semifinals. So it takes away the risk of maybe a rain-affected game or one poor game having a huge impact on the tournament like it can be in this tournament (Champions Trophy),” added the ICC CEO.

The idea of scrapping the tournament still in its infant stage

The idea of replacing the Champions Trophy with the two World T20s is still in its infant stage and would be difficult for Richardson to reveal at the moment. However, this edition of the Champions Trophy garnered more views than the previous editions, adding the importance of the tournament still in its place.

“Having two World T20s in a four-year cycle gives us an opportunity to globalise the game to a great extent, open the tournament to more teams – 16 or maybe even in a longer term to 20 teams,” Richardson said. “It’s easier to be competitive in that format, and thus easier to accommodate more teams.” concluded the chief executive.