New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Graeme Smith, the ex-captain of South Africa, believes that the rise of franchise cricket has dramatically transformed the landscape of global cricket. He asserts that the Indian Premier League (IPL) sets the benchmark for leagues worldwide.

Currently the commissioner of SA20, Smith has witnessed the evolution of the sport firsthand—from the traditional challenges of Test matches to the thriving commercial sector and global allure of T20 franchise leagues.

Smith expressed that the Indian Premier League has been the pivotal factor in cricket's modern evolution.

“The IPL has revolutionized everything. It demonstrated the immense commercial potential of franchise cricket, the level of fan engagement, and the exceptional quality of the game. Every new league that has arisen since has drawn lessons from the IPL model,” Smith stated during an interview with Olympics.com.

Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has emerged as a global powerhouse, influencing not only the game itself but also its marketing and consumption patterns. As Smith points out, its impact extends well beyond India, encouraging leagues in various countries to adopt similar frameworks. “Global leagues have taken cues from the IPL,” he remarked. “Whether it's the organizational structure, the player auction process, or the manner in which the tournament engages fans, it has become the archetype for contemporary franchise cricket.”

Smith noted that the rapid rise of franchise tournaments is a natural progression, driven by increasing viewership and greater private investments in cricket. He also discussed possible adjustments to the future cricket calendar to accommodate multiple premier leagues.

“Predicting the future can be tricky. However, if we analyze the trajectory of cricket, it’s likely to stabilize with four or five tier-one leagues globally, each having its own distinct time slot in the international calendar,” he commented.

Even within this framework, Smith emphasized that the IPL would continue to dominate the ecosystem, asserting, “The IPL remains at the pinnacle. It draws the top players globally and generates significant interest. Other leagues can flourish too, but the calendar needs to be structured thoughtfully to ensure these competitions support one another.”

Looking forward, Smith also proposed the idea of a global club championship involving elite franchise teams from various leagues. “We could very well see a Club World Cup-style event emerging. Imagine champions from the IPL, SA20, Australia’s Big Bash, and other leading leagues going head-to-head,” he suggested. “With private ownership now prevalent across several leagues, this concept has real potential. There's a considerable amount of groundwork to be laid before such an idea materializes, but the foundational elements are already in place. Franchise cricket has established an entirely new ecosystem,” he added.

Smith highlighted the significance of cricket's return to the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028, viewing it as a crucial milestone for the global expansion of the sport.

“For many years, the Olympics were not part of cricket’s realm. Players aspired to participate in World Cups or the IPL, but Olympic medals weren’t necessarily on their radar,” Smith explained. “Consider athletes like Novak Djokovic and how profound winning an Olympic gold medal was for him. Even in sports with major tournaments, the Olympics retain a unique stature,” he stated.

Cricket, which has not appeared since the Paris 1900 Olympics, is set to return in the T20 format for both men and women, marking a significant step towards broadening the sport’s audience in new markets. Smith believes that the Olympic platform could ignite a new wave of cricketers. “For a young cricketer today, the opportunity to secure an Olympic gold medal introduces an entirely new dimension to the game. It’s yet another dream for future generations to pursue,” he remarked.

Cricket's inclusion in LA 2028, with matches scheduled between July 12 and 29 at a designated venue in Pomona near Los Angeles, highlights its growing presence in international multi-sport events, building on recent participations in the Commonwealth and Asian Games.