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, redefining T20 cricket with its high-octane matches, star-studded lineups, and innovative format. But its influence extends far beyond India. The IPL has set the blueprint for other T20 leagues, introduced groundbreaking cricketing rules, and attracted significant investment from Indian franchise owners, fueling the sport’s rise in non-traditional markets. From England’s The Hundred to Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, the IPL’s imprint is unmistakable across the global cricketing landscape.
The IPL: A global blueprint for T20 leagues
When the IPL launched in 2008, skeptics doubted whether a franchise-based T20 league could thrive in a country where Test cricket was revered. But the IPL’s fusion of cricket, entertainment, and glamour struck a chord with the masses. Its fast-paced format, celebrity owners, and glitzy presentation transformed it into a spectacle that transcends the sport. 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 leagues worldwide to adopt its fan-centric model and investment strategies.
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 (St. Lucia Kings) and Rajasthan Royals (Barbados Royals), elevating the league’s profile and expanding its global reach.
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.
Women’s cricket
Several IPL-inspired leagues launched their women’s tournaments early, even before the Women’s Premier League (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 the IPL’s head start, the WPL 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 in India.
The IPL’s financial dominance
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. This immense revenue has allowed IPL franchises to invest in infrastructure, player development, and global expansion. Kolkata Knight Riders’ ownership of teams in the CPL, MLC, and ILT20 isn’t just a business move—it’s a strategic step toward building a global cricketing ecosystem.
The 2023 IPL season shattered records, with the final attracting 505 million viewers. This influence extends beyond the IPL, boosting viewership for SA20, CPL, and even The Hundred—which sold a record 580,000 tickets in 2023. The presence of IPL owners and familiar players in these leagues has helped cricket expand its footprint like never before.
The IPL’s role in globalizing cricket
The IPL has been instrumental in transforming cricket into a truly global sport. 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. Players like AB de Villiers, Rashid Khan, and David Warner have become household names in India, while Indian superstars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma enjoy unprecedented global recognition.
AB de Villiers, one of the IPL’s most beloved overseas players, once said, “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.” Similarly, Rashid Khan, now a global T20 sensation, credits the IPL for shaping his career. “I became a different bowler after the IPL. Competing against top players gave me confidence in my skills.”
Beyond players, the IPL has also helped expand cricket’s footprint in non-traditional markets. Leagues like MLC in the USA, ILT20 in the UAE, and The Hundred in England have introduced the sport to new audiences, many of whom were previously unfamiliar with cricket. This expansion is crucial for cricket’s long-term growth, diversifying its fan base and unlocking new revenue streams.
Cultural Influence & Technological Innovation
The IPL isn’t just a cricket tournament—it’s a cultural movement. It has shaped everything from fashion trends to everyday language, with terms like “helicopter shot” and “super over” becoming mainstream. Cricket stars such as Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni have transcended the sport to become style icons, influencing everything from endorsements to fitness trends. The league’s star-studded opening ceremonies, featuring global artists like Pitbull and Katy Perry, have transformed cricket into a spectacle rivaling global sporting events like the Super Bowl.
Beyond culture, the IPL has been 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, making it a staple 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’s embrace of technology, entertainment, and sport has redefined cricket’s future, making it not just a game, but a global spectacle of innovation.
Challenges and concerns
The IPL’s success hasn’t come without controversy. One of the biggest concerns is its packed schedule, which often clashes with international fixtures, forcing players into difficult choices. Balancing IPL commitments with national duties is becoming increasingly challenging, and there have been growing concerns that franchise cricket is taking precedence over international matches—both for players and cricket boards.
Another debated issue is the BCCI’s restriction on active Indian male cricketers playing in overseas leagues. While this policy has helped maintain the IPL’s exclusivity, it has also limited opportunities for Indian players to gain exposure in different cricketing environments. 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, gaining valuable experience on global platforms.
Looking ahead, there’s growing speculation that BCCI might eventually relax its stance for men’s cricketers too, allowing them to play in limited foreign leagues. If that happens, it could open doors for Indian players to expand their skill sets and enhance their marketability beyond the IPL.
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.