Although the 2008 tournament was originally rumoured to only include teams from Australia, South Africa, India and England, it was announced on 4 July 2008, that two teams from Pakistan's domestic tournament were also invited. At the same, time England's participation was also put into doubt, following differences between the ECB & BCCI over the inclusion of rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) players. Eventually, it was arranged so that the 2008 Twenty20 Champions League would have consisted of 8 teams from 5 countries. The qualifiers are:

• The winners and runners-up of the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash in Australia.
• The winners and runners-up of the Standard Bank Pro 20 Series in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
• The winners of the Twenty20 Cup in England and Wales. (Note: Runners-up Kent were not invited to participate in the inaugural tournament because it contained two players who have taken part in the rebel Indian Cricket League, a competition that is not recognised by the BCCI).
• The winners and runners-up of the Indian Premier League in India.
• The winners play-off for the third place in the Indian Premier League in India from 2010.( As it was not the rule before, Delhi Daredevils have been given the chance as they were the toppers of IPL.
• The winners of the RBS Twenty-20 Cup from Pakistan, (Sialkot Stallions in 2007-08).

This format is expected to change to include 12 teams for the 2009 edition. The winner of New Zealand's State Twenty20 competition is expected to be one of the new participants.

Champions League Format

Although the 2008 tournament was originally rumoured to only include teams from Australia, South Africa, India and England, it was announced on 4 July 2008, that two teams from Pakistan's domestic tournament were also invited.

Champions League Format