Champions League returns decade later
The men’s Twenty20 Champions League is all set to return after 11 years, rebranded as the World Club Championship. The potential revival expected in September 2026 will bring together champion teams from major domestic T20 leagues such as the IPL, PSL, BBL, SA20, and The Hundred. However, one of the biggest questions right now is will the IPL 2025 winner, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) represent India in this global tournament?
Champions League format
Originally launched in 2009, the Champions League T20 (CLT20) was once seen as cricket’s version of football’s UEFA Champions League. It saw seven top-performing domestic T20 teams from tournaments around the world compete in one tournament. However, the tournament was discontinued in 2014 due to low fan engagement and commercial challenges, including a massive USD one billion loss reported by ESPN Star, its then broadcast partner.
Now, over a decade later, the idea has been revived, with strong backing from major cricketing boards, including the BCCI, ECB, and CA. The upcoming World Club Championship is expected to feature league winners from the biggest T20 competitions across the world. However, there is no confirmation about the total number of teams to participate in the returning league.
Who will represent India in Champions League?
RCB were one of the frontrunners to represent India in the revived competition, having won their maiden IPL title in 2025 after 18 years of title drought, triggering a celebration not just in Bengaluru but across India. Between 2009 and 2011, RCB had already played 15 matches in the old Champions League T20, winning seven and losing eight, featuring in the finals of the 2011 edition.
Will RCB play in Champions League?
However, RCB’s participation is tentative, following the tragic stampede that took place during the team’s victory celebration on June 4, 2025, outside the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The incident resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals and left more than 50 injured.
A status report released by the Karnataka government has blamed RCB, its event partner DNA Networks, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) for going ahead with the victory parade despite police denial of permission. The report mentioned lack of formal clearance, inadequate planning, and misinformation on social media as the main reasons for the massive crowd of over 3,00,000 people that led to the stampede.
BCCI yet to make final call
Following the report, discussions have increased regarding RCB’s future involvement not just in the Champions League but even in future IPL seasons. There is no official statement from the BCCI regarding any disciplinary action.
With a CID investigation underway and legal proceedings expected, RCB’s spot in the World Club Championship is still not confirmed. Notably, the international tournament structure and scheduling will require finalisation well ahead of the September 2026 start, leading to a quick decision to be made by the franchise and board.
Which team can play Champions League instead of RCB?
If RCB is eventually considered ineligible or withdraws from the tournament due to ongoing investigations and legal complications, Punjab Kings, runners-up in IPL 2025, could be in line to take their place. If Punjab represents India in the competition, it will be their second time after featuring in the 2014-15 season after being runners-up in the 2014 IPL. Furthermore, generally, current champions are eligible to participate in this tournament, so there are chances that the winner of IPL 2026 could go on to play this league.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Champions League 2026 take place?
The expected return of the Champions League 2026 is in September.
Where will the Champions League 2026 take place?
There is no confirmation regarding the hosting country of the league.
Who are the winners of the Champions League?
So far, there have been five winners of the Champions League: New South Wales, Mumbai Indians (two times), Chennai Super Kings (two times), Sydney Sixers,
What is the new name of Champions League?
The revised name of the men’s Twenty20 Champions League is the World Club Championship
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