How the IPL is shaping cricket worldwide
The IPL is not just revolutionizing cricket in India—it is globalizing the sport and establishing its franchise owners as dominant forces in the world of sports
By Sanjay Dubey
Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown from a domestic tournament into a global phenomenon, reshaping the landscape of T20 cricket. It has set the blueprint for other T20 leagues across the world, introduced innovative cricketing rules, and catalysed the growth of the sport in non-traditional regions.
When the IPL launched, skeptics doubted whether a franchise-based T20 league could thrive in a place where cricket is a matter of national pride uniting the whole country. But the IPL’s fusion of cricket, entertainment, and glamour struck a chord with the masses. The league’s success was fueled by India’s rising middle class, increased disposable income, and the boom of satellite TV and internet connectivity. Within a few years, the IPL not only silenced critics but set a new global benchmark, inspiring most of the cricket leagues worldwide in some way or the other.
Take England’s The Hundred, for example. Launched in 2021, this 100-ball tournament represents a radical shift from traditional formats. While not an exact replica of the IPL, it borrows key elements such as shorter matches, franchise branding, and fan-centric engagement. The league has also attracted significant Indian investment, with four IPL franchises—Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants, SunRisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals—owning stakes in Oval Invincibles, Manchester Originals, Northern Superchargers, and Southern Brave. Notably, two of the remaining four teams are backed by Indian-American tech entrepreneurs, further underscoring India’s expanding influence in global cricket.
Similarly, South Africa’s SA20, launched in 2023, is a direct testament to the IPL’s dominance. All six teams—Joburg Super Kings, MI Cape Town, Pretoria Capitals, Paarl Royals, Sunrisers Eastern Cape, and Durban’s Super Giants——are owned by IPL franchises, highlighting the league’s financial muscle. This surge of investment has not only revitalized South African cricket but has also provided a crucial platform for local talent to shine on the global stage.
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL), launched in 2013, has also felt the IPL’s ripple effect. While not as financially powerful as the IPL or SA20, it has attracted significant investment from Indian franchise owners. The Kolkata Knight Riders led the way by acquiring Trinbago Knight Riders, bringing their brand appeal and expertise to the Caribbean. This was followed by Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals owning St. Lucia Kings and Barbados Royals.
Even the USA, a country traditionally indifferent to cricket, has seen the IPL’s influence. Major League Cricket (MLC), launched in 2023, is backed by several IPL owners: Mumbai Indians (MI New York), Kolkata Knight Riders (Los Angeles Knight Riders), Chennai Super Kings (Texas Super Kings), and Delhi Capitals (Seattle Orcas). While still in its early stages, MLC has the potential to establish cricket in a market dominated by baseball and basketball, thanks to the IPL’s proven formula.
The International League T20 (ILT20) in the UAE also follows this trend, with fours of its six teams owned by IPL and WPL (Women’s Premier League) franchise owners.
The Big Bash League (BBL), launched by Cricket Australia in 2011, was the first major T20 league to follow the IPL’s success. While it remains largely independent, its franchise-based model, entertainment-driven approach, and features like strategic timeouts reflect the IPL’s influence. The BBL has also introduced innovations such as the Power Surge, Bash Boost, and X-Factor rule, mirroring the broader impact of the T20 revolution.
However, unlike other leagues, the BBL has not seen direct IPL franchise investment due to Cricket Australia’s restrictions on foreign ownership. If these barriers were lifted, IPL owners could play a major role in expanding the BBL, just as they have in SA20, MLC, and ILT20.
Several leagues inspired by the IPL's model launched their women’s tournaments early, even before the WPL. Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), England’s The Hundred Women’s Competition, and the Women’s Caribbean Premier League (WCPL) have all thrived, benefiting from the IPL-driven T20 revolution. The involvement of IPL franchises in these leagues has further professionalized women’s cricket.
Despite this, the WPL finally debuted in 2023—15 years after the IPL’s inception. Modeled after the IPL, it has transformed women’s cricket by offering high-profile exposure, lucrative contracts, and a competitive platform, much like its male counterpart. With growing investment and fan engagement, the WPL seems set to redefine the global landscape of women’s cricket.
The IPL’s financial clout is staggering. In 2022, its media rights sold for a record $6.2 billion, making it the second-most valuable sports league per match, behind only the NFL (The National Football League of USA). This extraordinary amount of revenue can be justified by the number of viewers who watch it - the 2023 IPL final attracted 505 million viewers on television alone. This has allowed IPL stakeholders to invest in infrastructure, player development and payments, and global expansion.
The financial resources have also positioned the IPL as a pioneer in sports technology, consistently enhancing the fan experience. It popularized innovations like Spidercam, ultra-motion replays, and augmented reality (AR) integrations in live broadcasts. While the Decision Review System (DRS) debuted in international cricket, the IPL played a key role in refining and normalizing its usage across formats. Additionally, the league has set new benchmarks in sports analytics and talent scouting, with franchises using advanced data models for player acquisitions and match strategies.
The IPL has also been instrumental in transforming Indian and International cricket by attracting top talent from around the world. It has created a melting pot of cultures and playing styles, raising the game’s overall standard. “Test cricket is amazing with the Ashes and other big series. But if you ask me, the IPL is above everyone—it’s the number one tournament in the world” AB de Villiers, one of the IPL’s most beloved overseas players, once said about the IPL tournament.
Despite its success, the IPL's packed schedule creates a conflict with international cricket. Players face difficult choices, and concerns are growing that franchise cricket is taking precedence over national and international fixtures.
Another debated issue is the BCCI’s restriction on active Indian male cricketers playing in overseas leagues. Interestingly, Indian women cricketers face no such restriction. Since 2016, players like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Shafali Verma have been actively participating in overseas leagues like the WBBL and The Hundred. Looking ahead, the BCCI might also relax its stance for men’s cricketers. This can help them expand their skill sets and enhance their marketability beyond India.
As the IPL continues to expand its global footprint, its influence on cricket is only set to grow. With talks of adding more teams and tapping into new markets, the league is on track to become even more dominant. But with great power comes great responsibility. The challenge now is to strike a balance between commercial success and the long-term health of the sport. Can the IPL sustain its dominance without diluting the essence of cricket? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain—the IPL has already changed the game forever.