Franchise cricket is booming like never before—and with it, international cricket is quietly bleeding. From the IPL to the BBL, T20 leagues are offering not just fame but fat paychecks, tempting top-tier players to choose money over national pride.

The alarming part? We’re seeing more and more international stars calling time on their national careers in their early 30s—or in some cases, like Nicholas Pooran, even before hitting 30.

With less than a year to go for the next T20 World Cup, one has to ask: Is the lure of franchise cricket slowly killing the dream of representing your country?

Franchise Over Flag?

We’ve already seen this trend creeping in. Mohammad Amir is another prime example. The left-arm pacer had the world at his feet. Yes, he retired once citing differences with the PCB. Then made a comeback. Then quit again.

And guess what? He’s been globe-trotting, playing franchise cricket ever since. And it’s not just about one or two players. A disturbing pattern is forming.

Players, especially T20 specialists from around the world (barring Pakistan), are earning millions every year from the IPL alone — and still manage to squeeze in a couple more leagues. That’s $2–3 million annually, minimum. And yet, walking away from the national side, is somehow becoming normal.

“Want to Spend Time with Family” – Really?

Let’s talk about the most commonly served excuse for early retirements: “I want to spend more time with family.”

Don’t get me wrong — family should come first. No arguments there. But how does that align with travelling non-stop from one T20 league to another?

If being home is the top priority, then shouldn’t franchise cricket be the first thing to go? After all, it keeps you away from home most of the year.

But what’s actually happening is the complete opposite: Players are ditching international cricket, the very platform that gave them recognition, and opting for year-round franchise commitments. No off-season. No breaks. Just cricket, cash, and contracts.

How Much Money Is Too Much?

Look, I get it — careers are short, injuries happen, and money talks. But there has to be a line somewhere. How much is enough? When does it stop being about securing your future and start being about hoarding wealth at the cost of national pride?

Cricket fans invest emotionally. They dream with the team. And when a player who was once their hero walks away just because he can earn more elsewhere, it hurts. It’s a betrayal.

If this continues, international cricket risks becoming irrelevant. Are we heading toward a future where international cricket becomes a second-tier platform, a stepping stone to franchise leagues?

Because if that’s the direction we’re heading, then we need to pause and ask: What’s left of the game we all grew up loving?

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