New Delhi: The sixth edition of Champions League T20, popularly known as CLT20, will begin in Raipur. The tournament was modeled upon UEFA's Champions League where all the top footballing clubs from different countries participate.
The tournament is played between the top T20 clubs which are playing on the individual T20 tournaments of their respective countries. The tournament which is jointly run by cricket administrators of India (BCCI), Australia (CA) and South Africa (CSA).
Since the first season in 2009, CLT20 has hit many major setbacks, with the withdrawal of sponsors and drop in TV ratings. Airtel pulled out from its five year sponsorship deal in the second year. Nokia signed a four year agreement, but it too withdrew after one year. Karbonn Mobiles became the title sponsors in 2012, but it too withdrew after 2013.
Despite the variety that the CLT20 brings in, the annual sporting event has not been able to set the stadium on fire as IPL and Big Bash have been doing in their respective countries. The tournament has been till date played in South Africa and India. The major reason why the CLT20 failed to become a premiere cricketing extravaganza may be attributed to the following reasons.