August 13, 2024

Indian Premier League IPL Popularity and Milestones

The Indian Premier League (IPL), officially known as the TATA IPL due to sponsorship, is a men’s Twenty20 (T20) cricket league held annually in India. Established by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2007, the league comprises ten franchise teams representing various states or cities. Typically, the IPL runs during the summer months from March to May. It occupies a dedicated slot in the ICC Future Tours Programme, reducing international cricket tours during the IPL season.

The IPL is the most popular cricket league globally. In 2014, it ranked sixth for average attendance among all sports leagues. It made history in 2010 as the first sporting event to be broadcast live on YouTube. Its success has inspired the creation of other Indian sports leagues.

By 2022, the IPL’s brand value was estimated at ₹90,038 crore (US$11 billion). The 2015 IPL season alone contributed ₹1,150 crore (US$140 million) to India’s GDP. As of December 2022, the league was valued at US$10.9 billion, marking a 75% increase since 2020. The 2023 IPL final became the most-streamed live event online, attracting 32 million viewers.

In 2023, the league sold its media rights for the next four seasons to Viacom18 and Star Sports for US$6.4 billion, valuing each match at $13.4 million. As of 2024, the tournament has completed seventeen seasons, with the Kolkata Knight Riders as the current champions after winning the 2024 season against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final.

Inspired by a Rival

In 2007, Zee Entertainment Enterprises launched the Indian Cricket League (ICL). However, the ICL was not officially recognized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) or the International Cricket Council (ICC). The BCCI was particularly displeased when some committee members joined the ICL’s executive board. As a result, the BCCI increased the prize money for its own domestic tournaments and imposed lifetime bans on players who joined the ICL, viewing it as a rival league.

Indian Premier League Foundation

On September 13, 2007, following India’s win at the 2007 T20 World Cup, the BCCI announced the launch of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket competition. The inaugural season was set to begin in April 2008 with a grand opening ceremony in New Delhi. Led by BCCI Vice-President Lalit Modi, the IPL was detailed with information on its format, prize money, franchise revenue system, and squad composition rules. The league, managed by a seven-member governing council, would also act as the qualifier for the Champions League Twenty20 that year.

An auction for the IPL franchises was held on January 24, 2008, with a reserve price of $400 million for the eight teams. The auction exceeded expectations, raising $723.59 million. The league officially started in April 2008, with the initial teams being Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Delhi Daredevils (DD), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Deccan Chargers (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Indian Premier League Expansions and Terminations

Before the fourth IPL season in 2011, two new franchises, Pune Warriors India and Kochi Tuskers Kerala, joined the league. Sahara Adventure Sports Group purchased the Pune franchise for $370 million, while Rendezvous Sports World bought the Kochi franchise for $333.3 million. However, the Kochi Tuskers Kerala were terminated after just one season because they failed to pay the BCCI a 10% bank guarantee.

In September 2012, the BCCI ended its agreement with the Deccan Chargers when they couldn’t find new owners. An auction in October led to Sun TV Network winning the bid for a new team, which became the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Pune Warriors India withdrew from the IPL in May 2013 due to financial disputes with the BCCI. The BCCI officially terminated the franchise in October, reducing the league to eight teams.

In June 2015, the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, both involved in a spot-fixing and betting scandal, were suspended for two seasons. They were temporarily replaced by new franchises based in Pune and Rajkot.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 IPL season was played in the United Arab Emirates instead of India. In August 2021, the BCCI announced that two new franchises would join the league for the 2022 season, with the locations chosen from six shortlisted cities. In an auction held in October, the RPSG Group and CVC Capital won the bids for the new teams, paying ₹7,000 crore (US$840 million) and ₹5,200 crore (US$620 million), respectively. The new teams were named Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans.

Many IPL franchise owners have expanded their reach by acquiring teams in other global leagues, such as the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), South Africa’s SA20, the UAE’s International League T20 (ILT), and the USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC). These teams often carry names similar to those of their parent IPL franchises.

Indian Premier League Unique Rules and Variations

The IPL has several rules which vary from the established Laws of cricket or those used in other Twenty20 (T20) leagues:

• In IPL matches, each team is allowed a two-and-a-half-minute “strategic time-out” during each innings. The bowling team must take one time-out at the end of the 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th over, while the batting team must take theirs at the end of either the 13th, 14th, 15th, or 16th. Misuse of these time-outs can lead to penalties.
• Since the 2018 season, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been used in all IPL matches, allowing each team two reviews per inning to challenge the umpire’s decisions. Starting from the 2023 season, teams can also use reviews for wides and no-balls.
• Suppose the bowling team needs to complete its allotted overs in time. In that case, only four fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle for the rest of the innings, and the team may face financial penalties or player fines.
• Teams can use an “impact player” from a pre-named list of five substitutes. This substitution can occur before the start of the innings when a wicket falls, if a batter retires, or at the end of an over. Each team is allowed one substitute per match.
• Teams must declare their playing eleven to the match referee before or after the toss. A five-run penalty is applied if a fielder or wicketkeeper makes an unfair movement during the bowler’s delivery, and the ball is considered dead.
• Each team can include up to four overseas players in their eleven games. Suppose a team uses an overseas player as an impact player. In that case, it must limit the number of overseas players it plays to three. Additionally, teams must have 25 players, with a maximum of eight overseas players.
• Starting with the 2024 season, bowlers can bowl two bouncers per over. This rule was trialed during the 2023–24 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, India’s domestic T20 tournament.

These are Current Teams in IPL, Including Replaced and Rebranded

Chennai Super Kings (CSK): The Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of the most successful franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), made their debut in the inaugural season of the league in 2008. Among their standout players is MS Dhoni, who has been a cornerstone of the team since its inception. Dhoni, renowned for his exceptional leadership and calm demeanor under pressure, led The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to multiple IPL titles, including victories in 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2021. His strategic insight and finishing skills with the bat have solidified his reputation as one of the most incredible wicket-keeper batters in the history of T20 cricket.

Mumbai Indians (MI): The Mumbai Indians (MI), a dominant force in the Indian Premier League (IPL), entered the league in 2008. The team’s top player is Rohit Sharma, whose leadership and explosive batting have been pivotal to MI’s success. Under Sharma’s captaincy, Mumbai Indians secured IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Known for his strategic insights and consistent performances, Sharma has played a crucial role in establishing MI as one of the most successful franchises in IPL history.

Delhi Capitals (DC) (formerly Delhi Daredevils): The Delhi Capitals (DC), initially known as the Delhi Daredevils, joined the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. One of their top players is Rishabh Pant, who has been a critical figure for the team with his dynamic batting and wicket-keeping skills. Pant’s aggressive play and leadership qualities have made him a standout performer and a vital part of DC’s lineup. His contributions have significantly shaped the team’s success and made him one of the most exciting young talents in the league.

Kings XI Punjab (rebranded as Punjab Kings): Kings XI Punjab, now rebranded as Punjab Kings, began their journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. A standout player for the team is Shubman Gill, who has made a significant impact with his stylish batting and consistent performances. Since joining the franchise, Gill’s ability to score crucial runs and anchor the innings has been a critical asset for Punjab Kings. His emergence as one of the leading young talents in the IPL has brought renewed hope and excitement to the team.

Deccan Chargers (replaced by Sunrisers Hyderabad): The Deccan Chargers, who entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008, were known for their dynamic cricketing style. A top player for the team was Adam Gilchrist, the explosive Australian wicketkeeper-batsman who led the Chargers to their maiden IPL title in 2009. Gilchrist’s aggressive batting and effective leadership were instrumental in the team’s success, and his performances earned him a place as one of the most memorable players in Deccan Chargers’ history.

Rajasthan Royals (RR): The Rajasthan Royals (RR), one of the original teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its debut in 2008, have been known for their innovative and strategic approach. Sanju Samson is a standout player for the team, and he has emerged as a key figure with his impressive batting and leadership qualities. Samson, who has been with the Royals since 2013, has consistently delivered solid performances and captained the team with distinction, making him one of the leading players in Rajasthan Royals‘ lineup.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) made their debut in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. Andre Russell is a top player for the team, whose explosive all-round capabilities have made a significant impact. Known for his powerful hitting and effective bowling, Russell has been a crucial asset for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), particularly in tight matches. His dynamic performances have been instrumental in KKR’s successes, including their IPL titles in 2012 and 2014.

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) joined the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. One of their top players is Virat Kohli, who has been a cornerstone of the team since its inception. Kohli’s remarkable batting skills and consistent run-scoring have made him one of the most prolific players in IPL history. His leadership and stellar performances with the bat have been pivotal in RCB’s journey, solidifying his status as one of the league’s greatest players.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) joined the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022 as one of the new franchises. A top player for the team is KL Rahul, who has made a significant impact with his exceptional batting skills and leadership. Rahul’s ability to anchor innings and score crucial runs has been a critical factor in Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) performance since their debut. His role as captain and consistent contributions with the bat have quickly established him as one of the standout players for the franchise.

Gujarat Titans (GT): The Gujarat Titans (GT) entered the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2022 as a new franchise. One of their standout players is Hardik Pandya, who has been instrumental with both his all-round abilities and leadership. Pandya’s explosive batting, effective bowling, and dynamic fielding have been vital for the Gujarat Titans. Under his captaincy, the team achieved notable success, quickly establishing itself as a formidable contender in the league.