Now serving as the SA20 commissioner, Smith has observed the sport's development firsthand, from the classic challenges of Test cricket to the booming commercial industry and worldwide popularity of T20 franchise leagues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith reflected that the Indian Premier League served as the key driver of cricket\u2019s contemporary development.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe IPL changed everything. It showed how big franchise cricket could become commercially, in terms of fan engagement, and also in the quality of cricket being played. Every new league that has emerged since then has learned something from the IPL model,\u201d Smith told Olympics.com.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sinc starting in 2008, the IPL has become a worldwide force, shaping not just the game itself but also its marketing and consumption. As Smith notes, its influence reaches far beyond India, inspiring leagues in other countries to adopt comparable models. \u201cLeagues around the world have taken inspiration from the IPL,\u201d Smith said. \u201cWhether it\u2019s the structure, the player auction system, or the way the tournament connects with fans, it has become the template for modern franchise cricket.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith observed that the swift growth of franchise tournaments is a natural development, fueled by rising broadcast audiences and higher private investments in cricket. Additionally, he discussed potential changes to the future cricket calendar to incorporate several premier leagues.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s always difficult to predict exactly how things will unfold. But if you look at the direction cricket is heading, the game will probably settle with four or five tier-one leagues globally, each occupying its own window in the international calendar,\u201d he observed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Even within that framework, Smith asserted that the IPL would still lead the ecosystem, saying, \u201cThe IPL sits at the top of the pyramid. It attracts the best players in the world and generates enormous interest. Other leagues can thrive as well, but the calendar will have to be structured carefully so that these competitions complement each other.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Looking ahead, Smith also floated the possibility of a global club competition featuring top franchise teams from different leagues. \u201cYou could easily see a Club World Cup-type tournament emerging. Imagine the champions of the IPL, SA20, Australia\u2019s Big Bash, and other major leagues competing against each other,\u201d he noted. \u201cWith private franchise ownership now involved across several leagues, the idea has real potential. There\u2019s obviously a lot of work to do before something like that becomes reality, but the foundations are already there. Franchise cricket has created a completely new ecosystem,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith emphasised the importance of cricket's reintroduction to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028, viewing it as a pivotal milestone for the sport's worldwide expansion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cFor many years, the Olympics simply weren\u2019t part of cricket\u2019s world. Players grew up dreaming of World Cups or playing in the IPL, but not necessarily about Olympic medals,\u201d Smith explained. \u201cYou look at athletes like Novak Djokovic and how emotional winning an Olympic gold medal was for him. Even in sports that already have huge tournaments, the Olympics still hold a very special place,\u201d he said. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Smith emphasised the importance of cricket's reintroduction to the Olympics at Los Angeles 2028, viewing it as a pivotal milestone for the sport's worldwide expansion.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cricket's inclusion in LA 2028, with matches set between July 12 and 29 at a dedicated venue in Pomona near Los Angeles, showcases its expanding presence in international multi-sport events, building on recent appearances at the Commonwealth and Asian Games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n