OTD In 2008: MI, CSK, And Other IPL Franchises Came Into Existence

image-lrracebdChennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are the two-most successful IPL franchises [X.com]

A commodity, that changed the face of T20 league cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) founded its first batch of franchises day (January 24) sixteen years ago in 2008, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the winners of the bidding wars for eight teams - Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Rajasthan, Punjab, Bangalore, and Deccan.

Since 2008, the IPL has come a long way, and have set benchmarks in T20 franchise cricket both on and off the field, which has turned the cash-rich league into one of the biggest in global sport.

When IPL came into existence

Two of the major players in Reliance Industries and India Cement ventured into cricket and brought the Mumbai - Mumbai Indians - and Chennai - Chennai Super Kings - franchises, respectively, which have now become household names after winning as many as five IPL titles each. 

GMR Sports, United Spirits, Deccan Chronicle also managed succesful bids for Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Deccan Chargers (now Sunrisers Hyderbad).

Not only business, but the entertainment world also exhibited their interest, where Bollywood stars Shah Rukh Khan, and Juhi Chawla purchased Kolkata - Kolkata Knight Riders -, Preity Zinta co-owned Punjab - Punjab Kings - and Shilpa Shetty (former co-owner) brought stake in Rajasthan - Rajasthan Royals. 

Between 2008 and 2024, the IPL has seen several highs, and few lows but to-date remains as one of the most anticipated, and excited T20 showpiece tournament, that continues to attract international superstars, brands, and most importantly fans.

Two new franchises were added into the IPL family in 2022 - Ahmedabad-based Gujarat Titans and Lucknow-based Lucknow Super Giants -, and also witnessed clubs like Kochi Tuskers Kerala (2011), Pune Warriors India (2011-13), Gujarat Lions (2016-2017), and Rising Pune Supergiants (2016-2017) make small but monumental appearences.