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ACC Introduces New Policy to Regulate Player Participation in Asian T20 Leagues

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 18:46 GMT by Geo Super
      Locales: New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, AUSTRALIA

Dubai, UAE - January 31st, 2026 - The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) today unveiled a sweeping new policy designed to regulate player participation in the burgeoning landscape of franchise T20 cricket across Asia. The move, announced late Saturday, aims to safeguard the primacy of international cricket and address growing concerns about player availability for national teams amid the proliferation of lucrative domestic leagues.

The policy, effective immediately, requires all players intending to participate in any of the numerous T20 leagues popping up across Asia - including the immensely popular Indian Premier League, the Pakistan Super League, the Bangladesh Premier League, and increasingly competitive leagues in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the UAE - to first obtain clearance from their respective national cricket boards and the ACC itself. This dual-approval process represents a significant shift in power dynamics, asserting greater control over player schedules by the continental governing body.

For years, cricket administrators have watched with a mixture of fascination and apprehension as franchise cricket exploded in popularity. While these leagues have undoubtedly boosted the profile of the game, provided substantial financial rewards for players, and fostered exciting new talent, they have also presented challenges. Chief among these is the risk of players prioritizing the financial benefits and shorter time commitments of franchise cricket over the demands of representing their nations - a trend that had begun to noticeably impact international series and tournaments.

"We've seen instances where key players have become unavailable for crucial international matches due to prior commitments to franchise leagues," explained a senior ACC official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This wasn't about preventing players from earning a good living; it was about protecting the integrity of international cricket and ensuring that national teams can field their strongest possible lineups. We needed a proactive solution, not a reactive one."

The new policy seeks to achieve this balance. Players wishing to participate in an Asian T20 league will submit an application detailing their proposed schedule to their national board. The board will then assess the application's impact on the player's international commitments - including bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and national training camps - and forward its recommendation (approval or rejection) to the ACC. The ACC will then conduct its own review, considering the overall impact on the regional cricketing calendar and the fairness of access for players from different nations.

The implications of this policy are far-reaching. It is expected to lead to increased negotiation between players, national boards, and franchise owners, as all parties seek to reconcile conflicting schedules. Some analysts predict a potential rise in franchise contract values, as teams may be willing to pay a premium to secure players who can guarantee their availability throughout the league season. Others suggest that smaller, less financially powerful leagues might struggle to attract top talent if players are hesitant to risk jeopardizing their international careers.

While the ACC insists the policy is not intended to stifle franchise cricket, but rather to regulate it, some player representatives have expressed concerns. "We understand the need to protect international cricket," said Rahul Sharma, head of the Asian Cricketers' Association. "However, we need to ensure that this policy doesn't become overly restrictive and unnecessarily hinders players' ability to pursue legitimate earning opportunities. Transparency and a fair hearing process are crucial."

The ACC has established a dedicated committee to oversee the implementation of the new policy and address any grievances that may arise. The committee will be composed of representatives from national boards, the ACC executive board, and player representatives. The ACC has also announced plans to establish a centralized player availability calendar, providing greater clarity and predictability for all stakeholders.

The long-term success of this policy will depend on its effective implementation and the willingness of all parties to cooperate. However, the ACC believes it is a necessary step to ensure the sustainable future of both international and franchise cricket in Asia - a region that remains at the heart of the global game.