Since the advent of T20 cricket, the cricketing world has seen a change in the trends of international cricket. T20 cricket, in other words franchise cricket has taken the world over. Many T20 leagues have started all over the world generating top quality cricket, fan following and revenue.

Countries like West Indies, Pakistan have seen a major influx of international cricketers from all over the world o participate in the T20 leagues. Bangladesh, who were considered as the minnows of international cricket also started with their own cricket league which gained high voltage popularity within a very short span of time.

A galaxy of players from the international arena has selected franchise cricket over international cricket. The format is similar to T20 cricket with double the money and fame added to it.

The biggest example of franchise cricket is someone like Chris Gayle. Gayle who entered into an argument with West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) very recently, chose to play franchise cricket over international cricket.

Soon after, players from other countries followed his footsteps. Brendon Mccullum, Shahid Afridi, Shakib Al Hasan, Brad Hodge, Andre Russell and many others participated in franchise cricket and ruled the world of cricket.

Gradually, players were called as T20 specialists possessing different set of skills and qualities. Shots like reverse sweep, reverse scoop and many others were invented by players. Engagement of the crowds has increased and also has their knowledge regarding the game. They know about the different franchise teams all over the world and also keep a track of the players who become a part of the teams.

One of the reasons why franchise cricket has taken over international cricket is also because the way T20 cricket has travelled to all the corners of the world. India, Australia, West Indies, Pakistan, England all of these countries invest hugely in T20 cricket and the success rate adds to the revenue generated.

Leagues like the Big Bash League in Australia and Pakistan Super League in Pakistan who completed their 2016-17 edition recently got a major response from its fans. PSL especially was greeted with a lot of heart and soul by the Pakistani fans. For a country devoid of any international cricket since a long time due to innumerable reasons, franchise or T20 cricket comes as a breadth of fresh air for the fans.

In times to come, one only hopes that the fan following of franchise cricket will be on the rise with cricket administrators and boards giving them all the help that they need.

The success IPL has achieved over the years have been the root cause for the success of franchise cricket and one hopes that its directly proportional to success of T20 cricket as well.