The top five cricket leagues worldwide—IPL, BBL, PSL, BPL, and T20 Blast—have become major attractions, combining international stars and local talent. Led by the IPL’s commercial success, each league showcases unique styles and high-energy competition, drawing massive audiences and elevating cricket’s profile across different regions and cultures.
5. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
Initiated by the Bangladesh Cricket Board in 2012, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) has established itself as a prominent fixture in the T20 circuit. As one of three professional cricket leagues in Bangladesh, the BPL has completed nine seasons, with seven teams competing fiercely for the prestigious title and a prize purse of INR 6.19 crore.
The league’s success underscores Bangladesh’s growing influence in the cricketing world, offering a critical platform for local players to develop alongside seasoned international stars. The BPL plays a significant role in advancing cricket in Bangladesh, contributing to the discovery and nurturing of talent in a country where cricket’s popularity continues to soar.
4. Pakistan Super League (PSL)
Launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board in September 2015, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has swiftly become a prominent fixture in the cricketing world. Starting with five teams in 2016, the PSL hosted its inaugural season entirely in the UAE due to security concerns in Pakistan.
Since then, the league has completed eight successful editions, gradually reintroducing high-profile cricket to Pakistani soil. Known for its high-scoring matches, the PSL has become a premier platform for showcasing local talent alongside international stars. With a winner’s prize of INR 3.6 crore, the PSL is celebrated for its competitive spirit and its significant role in enhancing Pakistan’s cricketing culture.
3. T20 Blast
The T20 Blast, launched in 2003, pioneered professional T20 cricket, becoming the world’s first tournament of its kind. This English and Welsh competition features 18 first-class county teams, making it a diverse platform for experienced professionals and emerging talent alike. With 21 seasons completed, it has become a staple in domestic cricket, drawing dedicated fans and large crowds despite competition from newer leagues like the IPL and BBL. Winners earn a prize of INR 1.8 crore, and the league’s influence extends beyond cricket, helping popularize the sport in football-dominated regions, underscoring its essential role in cricket’s growth.
2. Big Bash League (BBL)
Following the IPL’s model, the Big Bash League (BBL) was launched by Cricket Australia in 2011, quickly becoming the second most popular T20 league worldwide. Held in Australia’s summer months of December and January, the BBL showcases both local and international talent, captivating audiences with high-energy matches. Its eight teams compete in a format built for entertainment, blending the IPL’s success formula with a distinct Australian flair.
Ranked as the eighth most attended sports league globally, the BBL offers a prize of INR 2.73 crore for the champions. It has solidified itself as a key fixture, rivaling the IPL in fan engagement and entertainment value.
1. Indian Premier League (IPL)
Launched by the BCCI in 2007, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has become the pinnacle of Twenty20 cricket globally. Starting in 2008, it quickly set standards for both commercial success and audience engagement, with a current brand value of $4.16 billion, making it the world’s most lucrative cricket league. The IPL’s ten teams feature international stars, driving it to be the most-watched T20 league globally.
Its high-performance structure ties player earnings to success, offering a winning prize of INR 20 crore—the highest among T20 leagues—solidifying the IPL’s reputation as a premier sporting event worldwide.