The Cost of Disapproved/Unsanctioned Cricket
The World Legends Pro T20 League was held in Goa, India earlier this year. This event was deemed 'disapproved' cricket as it was not sanctioned by the BCCI. As a consequence of playing in this league, Peter Siddle and Samit Patel are now not permitted to play in the 2026 UK T20 Blast. As per ECB regulations, players are ineligible to play county cricket if they have featured in any "disapproved cricket" in the 12 months before the start of a given season.
While such events can offer short-term opportunities, especially for freelance or retired players, they can create complications when individuals seek to return to officially sanctioned competitions.
Players must take responsibility for verifying whether a tournament is officially sanctioned. This means checking with their Agent, Player’s Association and national cricket federations (NCFs) before committing. Failure to do so can lead to suspensions, eligibility restrictions and longer-term reputational risks that impact future roles as players, coaches, or support staff.
A critical but often overlooked risk is the lack of protection in unsanctioned cricket. When integrity concerns, contractual disputes or payment issues arise, players frequently seek recourse. However, these competitions fall outside the jurisdiction of the ICC or its member boards. As a result, there are limited formal mechanisms to resolve disputes or enforce standards, leaving participants exposed.
Equally important is the role of cricket boards and regulators. Clear and consistent action against participation in disapproved cricket is essential to maintaining the integrity of the game. Without enforcement, individuals involved in such events can re-enter the formal system without consequence, weakening governance and oversight.
Recent incidents such as corruption-related arrests linked to the 2024 Legends Cricket Trophy 2024 and various issues during the Legends90 league and Asian Legends League in 2025, highlight why these rules exist. They are designed not just to regulate participation, but to protect players, officials, and the sport globally from unethical practices and external risks.
Ultimately, the balance is clear: players must carry out due diligence before joining any league, and governing bodies must act decisively when rules are breached. Without that shared responsibility, the risks around integrity, player welfare and financial security will only continue to grow in an increasingly fragmented cricket landscape.