The success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) across the world has completely changed the face of cricket. Every country is now in the race to start its own franchise based T20 league. In this context, a big and shocking claim has come out from New Zealand. There are preparations underway to start a private T20 league on the lines of IPL in January 2026, regarding which a sensational allegation has been made in the New Zealand media that this league is being funded with Indian money and its objective is to indirectly gain control over the power of New Zealand cricket.

According to reports, this league is being organized outside the jurisdiction of New Zealand Cricket (NZC). New Zealand Cricket has not given any official recognition to this tournament, but many old veteran players are said to be associated with this project. According to New Zealand media, the organizers of the league are getting funding from some big corporate groups and sports investment companies in India.

After this report came out, there was a stir in the cricket administration in New Zealand. It is being said that if this league is successful, then a big change can be seen in the structure of cricket in the country. This will not only change the economic model of cricket, but the traditional authority of the cricket board may also come under challenge.

However, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has not yet given any formal statement on this league. Board sources say that they are keeping an eye on the situation and if this league is started without permission, a strict stand will be taken against it. According to the rules of cricket, any tournament in any recognized country is considered valid only if it has the approval of the National Cricket Board.

On the other hand, supporters of this proposed T20 league say that it will provide financial strength to New Zealand cricketers and new players at the domestic level will get an international platform. He argues that the income of cricketers in the country is limited and private investment can give a new direction to the game.

But the biggest question is whether a conspiracy is really being hatched through this league to change the power of New Zealand cricket with Indian funding? It has even been said in some local media reports that behind this project are some Indian sports agents and investors associated with IPL franchises, who are trying to establish a foothold in the New Zealand market.

If these claims prove to be true, it may also become a matter of concern for the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC has strict guidelines on such matters, in which any attempt by a foreign investment to gain indirect control over a national cricket system is considered a threat to the autonomy of the game.

Many cricket analysts believe that cricket in New Zealand has always been known for its simplicity and transparency. Starting a league like IPL there can change the direction of the game, but if there is a political or business agenda of external funding behind it, then it can be a serious threat to the sports system of the country.

At present, the debate on this issue has intensified in New Zealand. Former officials of the Cricket Board and some veteran players are also reacting to this. While one side is seeing it as a new opportunity for cricket, the other side is calling it a “threat to the freedom of cricket”.

Overall, this new controversy in New Zealand cricket looks more like a fight for power and control than sport. If this league is run with Indian funding, as is being claimed in the media, then this matter will be in the headlines internationally in the coming months. At present, all eyes are on the reaction of the New Zealand Cricket Board and the ICC, which will decide whether this ‘cricket revolution’ will be approved or it will be stopped.