The proliferation of franchise-based Twenty20 leagues has played a significant role in the transformation of cricket from a traditional sport into a worldwide entertainment extravaganza. In 2008, India was the country that initiated this transformation by launching the Indian Premier League, often known as the IPL. Cricket has become a rich industry as a result of the tremendous success of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which spurred other nations to launch their own leagues. Top players, sponsors, and millions of fans from all over the world are drawn to these leagues in the modern day.
In this post, we will explore the top 10 richest cricket leagues in the world by analyzing the income creation, player wages, and television arrangements of each of these leagues. Let’s jump right in!
Country | League Name | Started | Administrator | Value |
India | Indian Premier League (IPL) | 2008 | BCCI | $10.9 Billion |
UAE | International T20 League (ILT20) | 2023 | Emirates Cricket Board | $15 Million |
South Africa | SA20 | 2023 | Cricket South Africa (CSA) | $12.5 Million |
Australia | Big Bash League (BBL) | 2011 | Cricket Australia | $10 Million |
England | The Hundred | 2021 | England and Wales Cricket Board | $9 Million |
USA | Major League Cricket (MLC) | 2023 | American Cricket Enterprises | $6.9 Million |
Pakistan | Pakistan Super League (PSL) | 2016 | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) | $5.7 Million |
Bangladesh | Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) | 2012 | Bangladesh Cricket Board | $4.8 Million |
West Indies | Caribbean Premier League (CPL) | 2013 | Cricket West Indies | $4.5 Million |
Sri Lanka | Lanka Premier League (LPL) | 2020 | Sri Lanka Cricket | $3.5 Million |
Indian Premier League (IPL)
- Beginning: 2008
- Administrator: BCCI
- Value: $10.9 billion
The Indian Premier League is the unrivaled queen of all cricket leagues. It was conceived up by Lalit Modi and introduced by the BCCI, and it has since become a phenomenon on a worldwide scale. The International Premier League (IPL) produces yearly income that is greater than $6 billion thanks to its star-studded teams, high-octane matches, and large fan following.
- Broadcast Rights– At a startling price of $6.2 billion, the Indian Premier League (IPL) sold its broadcast rights for the 2023-2027 cycle in the year 2022 to Star India.
- Franchise Values– Each of the top Indian Premier League teams is worth more than one billion dollars.
- Impact- Cricket has been transformed into a year-round entertainment product thanks to the Indian Premier League (IPL).
International T20 League (ILT20) – UAE
- Beginning: 2023
- Administrator: Emirates Cricket Board
- Value: 15 Million
The ILT20 is the newest Twenty20 league in the United Arab Emirates, and it is supported by owners of IPL teams as well as investors from across the world. Players are offered high-paying contracts, and the tournament has swiftly earned prominence for its tough matches. It is held in a country that does not impose taxes on its citizens.
- Key Feature- The league is extremely competitive in the worldwide cricket market since it is able to recruit players from all around the world.
SA20 – South Africa
- Beginning: 2023
- Administrator: Cricket South Africa (CSA)
- Value: $12.5 Million
SA20 is South Africa’s redesigned Twenty20 competition, which has replaced past attempts that were unsuccessful. It has become a popular league with good teams and matches that are competitive as a result of investments by franchises in the Indian Premier League.
- Key Feature– The league has been responsible for reviving the interest of the worldwide community in South African cricket.
Big Bash League (BBL) – Australia
- Beginning: 2011
- Administrator: Cricket Australia
- Value: $10 Million
The Big Bash competition (BBL) is Australia’s main Twenty20 competition, and it is well-known for its creative approach and family-friendly atmosphere. Broadcast during the summer months in Australia, it draws in a significant number of people and spectators.
- Revenue- Approximately sixty million dollars are generated over the year.
- Impact- The Big Bash League has become one of the most popular sports competitions throughout Australia and turned itself as a potential scouting option for IPL.
The Hundred – England
- Beginning: 2021
- Administrator: England and Wales Cricket Board
- Value: $9 Million
The Hundred is a one-of-a-kind cricket competition that features 100 balls and is intended to attract younger viewers. By allowing both men’s and women’s leagues to compete at the same time, it encourages gender equality in the sport of cricket.
- Key Feature- The fact that it is a short format and packs a lot of action has contributed to its popularity among fans.
Major League Cricket (MLC) – USA
- Beginning: 2023
- Administrator: American Cricket Enterprises
- Value: $6.9 Million
IPL teams and investors are supporting the MLC, which is the first professional cricket league in the United States. Its purpose is to broaden the appeal of cricket in the United States and to bring in new fans.
- Key Feature- The league has been responsible for bringing international talents to the United States, which has helped to raise the reputation of cricket in the country.
Pakistan Super League (PSL)
- Beginning: 2016
- Administrator: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
- Value: $5.7 Million
In order to become one of the best cricket leagues in the world, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has triumphed over serious obstacles. Pakistan is currently the only host of the event, which was formerly held in the United Arab Emirates owing to security concerns.
Broadcast Deals– Moreover, it also secured significant arrangements with a total yearly value of $36 million in broadcasting deals.
- Impact- In Pakistan, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been instrumental in revitalizing the sport of international cricket.
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
- Beginning: 2012
- Administrator: Bangladesh Cricket Board
- Value: $4.8 Million
Since its foundation, the British Premier League has had consistent growth, serving as a platform for players from both domestic and international competitions. Although there are obstacles to overcome, it continues to be an important event on the cricket calendar.
- Revenue– Annually it generates between ten and fifteen million dollars in revenue.
- Impact- Cricket in Bangladesh has become more well-known as a result of the Bangladesh Premier League.
Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
- Beginning: 2013
- Administrator: Cricket West Indies
- Value: $4.5 Million
In the Twenty20 format, the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) provides the lively atmosphere of Caribbean cricket. It has become a big generator of tourism and comprises teams from six different nations and regions in the Caribbean. One of the league’s most notable characteristics is that it exhibits Caribbean talent and draws in talents from around the world.
Lanka Premier League (LPL) – Sri Lanka
- Started: 2020
- Administrator: Sri Lanka Cricket
- Value: $3.5 Million
A platform for indigenous players to thrive is provided by the Lankan primary League (LPL), which is Sri Lanka’s primary Twenty20 league. It is also able to draw talent from across the world, which helps to increase cricket’s popularity in the country.
One of the most important aspects of the league is that it encourages the growth of cricket in Sri Lanka.
FAQs
With an estimated value of $10.9 billion, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most lucrative cricket competition in the world.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) produces money from the sale of items, sponsorships, ticket sales, and broadcast rights.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is known for having the highest player wages, with the best players earning millions of dollars each season.
It is true that nations such as the United States of America and Canada are investigating the possibility of establishing new Twenty20 competitions in order to increase the popularity of cricket.
The growing influence of T20 leagues has led to scheduling challenges for international cricket, with some players prioritizing franchise cricket over national commitments.