Top 5 Best Cricket Leagues Worldwide

image-ls4d7z9xIPL is the biggest T20 league in the world (Twitter)

The introduction of the Twenty20 (T20) cricket format marked a historic shift in the sport's landscape, infusing it with unmatched excitement and entertainment. This fast-paced, thrilling format was designed to cater to a global audience, and it did just that, becoming the most beloved format in cricket.

The phenomenon truly took off with the electrifying T20 World Cup in 2007, which not only showcased the format's potential but also ignited a global frenzy for more action-packed cricket. This success led to the birth of franchise cricket leagues worldwide, with the Indian Premier League (IPL), launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2008, setting a gold standard for domestic cricket competitions.

These leagues have become more than just sporting events, offering players from around the globe a stage to exhibit their talents and a lucrative career path. They have breathed new life into the sport, ensuring its vitality and relevance in a rapidly changing world.

As we dive deep into the top 5 best cricket leagues around the world, it's clear that the T20 format has not only transformed cricket into a global phenomenon but has also redefined what the game means to players and fans alike.

1. Indian Premier League (IPL)

image-ls4dps17MS Dhoni & Rohit Sharma (Twitter)


Established by the BCCI in 2007, the Indian Premier League has emerged as the peak of Twenty20 cricket globally. Launching its inaugural season in 2008, IPL quickly set the benchmark for cricket leagues worldwide, both in terms of commercial success and audience engagement. With a brand value estimated at $4.16 billion, it stands as the most lucrative cricket league, significantly impacting the sport by increasing players' commercial appeal and enhancing the entertainment quotient for fans. 

The IPL features ten teams, consisting of cricketing stars from around the globe, which has led to it becoming the most-watched T20 league worldwide. The competition's structure incentivizes high performance, with players' earnings directly tied to their on-field success. The winner of the IPL receives a hefty prize of INR 20 crore, the highest among T20 leagues which shows its status as a premier sporting event.

2. Big Bash League (BBL)

image-ls4dq36jBig Bash League (Twitter)

Following the blueprint of the IPL, the Big Bash League was initiated by Cricket Australia in 2011. It stands as the second most popular T20 league, offering international and local talent that enthralls audiences across Australia during its summer slot in December and January. The BBL has eight teams that compete in a format designed to deliver high-octane entertainment, mirroring the IPL's success formula but with its unique Australian touch. 

The league's popularity is evidenced by its ranking as the eighth most attended sports league globally in terms of average attendance. With prize money for the winners set at INR 2.73 crore, the BBL has established itself as a significant event in the cricket calendar, drawing comparisons to the IPL in terms of audience engagement and entertainment value.


3. T20 Blast

image-ls4dqediT20 Blast (Twitter)

As the precursor to the global T20 frenzy, the T20 Blast holds the distinction of being the world's first professional Twenty20 competition, launched in 2003. This English and Welsh domestic tournament features 18 first-class county teams, making it a sprawling contest that showcases both seasoned professionals and emerging talent.

The T20 Blast has completed 21 seasons, offering a platform for local players to shine in the fast-paced format. Despite facing stiff competition from newer leagues like the IPL and BBL, the T20 Blast continues to attract significant crowds and maintains a loyal fan base, with the tournament winners receiving INR 1.8 crore in prize money. Notably, its contribution to cricket's development in regions with a strong football culture cannot be overstated.

4. Pakistan Super League (PSL)

image-ls4dqp5hPakistan Super League (Twitter)

Launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board in September 2015, the Pakistan Super League has quickly risen to prominence within the cricketing community. The PSL began its journey with five teams in 2016, hosting its inaugural season entirely in the United Arab Emirates due to security concerns in Pakistan. 

Since then, it has successfully completed eight editions, gradually bringing high-profile cricket back to Pakistani soil. The league is celebrated for its high-scoring matches and has become a cornerstone for showcasing local talent alongside international stars. With a winner's prize of INR 3.6 crore, the PSL stands out for its competitive quality and the role it plays in enriching Pakistan's cricketing culture.

5. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)

image-ls4dr1omBangladesh Premier League (Twitter)

Initiated by the Bangladesh Cricket Board in 2012, the Bangladesh Premier League has cemented its place as a key fixture in the T20 calendar. The BPL, one of three professional cricket leagues in Bangladesh, has completed nine seasons, featuring seven teams that vie for the coveted title and a prize purse of INR 6.19 crore. 

The league's success is indicative of Bangladesh's growing stature in the cricketing world, providing a platform for local players to develop alongside seasoned international cricketers. The BPL's contribution to the sport in Bangladesh is significant, aiding in the discovery and grooming of talent in a country where cricket's popularity continues to soar.