Cricket has become a global entertainment powerhouse. T20 leagues have taken the sport to new heights, as seen by packed stadiums and big broadcasting deals. These leagues offer a mix of sport and entertainment, attracting fans and players from all over.
Here are the top 10 biggest cricket leagues in the world, based on their value, popularity and global reach.
Biggest Cricket League in the World
| Rank | League Name | Country | Started | Administrator | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Premier League (IPL) | India | 2008 | BCCI | $10.9 Billion |
| 2 | International T20 League (ILT20) | UAE | 2023 | Emirates Cricket Board | $15 Million |
| 3 | SA20 | South Africa | 2023 | Cricket South Africa (CSA) | $12.5 Million |
| 4 | Big Bash League (BBL) | Australia | 2011 | Cricket Australia | $10 Million |
| 5 | The Hundred | England | 2021 | England and Wales Cricket Board | $9 Million |
| 6 | Major League Cricket (MLC) | United States of America | 2023 | American Cricket Enterprises | $6.9 Million |
| 7 | Pakistan Super League (PSL) | Pakistan | 2016 | Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) | $5.7 Million |
| 8 | Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) | Bangladesh | 2012 | Bangladesh Cricket Board | $4.8 Million |
| 9 | Caribbean Premier League (CPL) | West Indies | 2013 | West Indies Cricket Board | $4.6 Million |
| 10 | Women’s Premier League (WPL) | India | 2023 | BCCI | $3.8 Million |
1. Indian Premier League (IPL) – India
Launched: 2008
Admin: BCCI
Value: $10.9 Billion
IPL is the benchmark for cricket leagues. Since 2008, it has changed the sport by mixing cricket with entertainment big time. With top players, big crowds and fancy teams, IPL gets the biggest TV deals in sports.
It’s not just the most valuable cricket league; it’s one of the most profitable sports business out there.
2. International League T20 (ILT20) – UAE
Launched: 2023
Admin: Emirates Cricket Board
Value: $15 Million
Though new, ILT20 has made a big impact. It’s in the UAE, has deep pockets and offers big salaries which has attracted international stars. With some teams owned by IPL teams, it has credibility and big ambitions.
Being in a global hub like Dubai means the league can grow fast.
3. SA20 – South Africa
Launched: 2023
Admin: Cricket South Africa (CSA)
Value: $12.5 Million
South Africa’s SA20 launched in the same year as ILT20 and has already helped local cricket a lot. Backed by IPL team owners, it has international appeal with strong local talent. The league is bringing new energy to South African cricket and getting good crowds and viewership.
It’s already an important part of the country’s cricket calendar.
4. Big Bash League (BBL) – Australia
Launched: 2011
Admin: Cricket Australia
Value: $10 Million
The BBL is Australia’s T20 league, known for its fun vibe and family focus. It may not have the biggest purses but always has competitive cricket and big crowds. With many good domestic players and loyal fans, the BBL is still well regarded in the cricket world.
5. The Hundred – England
Launched: 2021
Admin: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
Value: $9 Million
England’s The Hundred does things differently with 100-ball innings and teams with men and women. It’s trying to attract younger fans and families by mixing new with old. Though still growing, it’s helping to modernise English cricket and get new fans.
6. Major League Cricket (MLC) – United States
Launched: 2023
Admin: American Cricket Enterprises
Value: $6.9 Million
Cricket has been a minor sport in the US for a long time but Major League Cricket (MLC) is changing that fast. Since it launched in 2023, MLC has got global attention due to big investments and good partnerships. With games in big stadiums and lots of support from the South Asian community, the league is trying to become a big player in cricket. It mixes international stars with American players to increase cricket’s popularity in a country where it’s not traditionally played.
7. Pakistan Super League (PSL) – Pakistan
Launched: 2016
Admin: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Value: $5.7 Million
Pakistan Super League has become one of the top T20 leagues in the world very quickly. Despite political and security issues, PSL always gets top players and lots of local fans. Its teams have huge followings and the cricket is good. The league has also been very important in bringing international cricket back to Pakistan which makes it even more important in Pakistan and other countries.
8. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) – Bangladesh
Launched: 2012
Admin: Bangladesh Cricket Board
Value: $4.8 Million
Bangladesh Premier League is a big part of cricket in Bangladesh. It’s known for its passionate fans and lively atmosphere. BPL helps local players to improve while also bringing in international stars. It hasn’t become as commercial as IPL or BBL but BPL is still competitive and culturally important in South Asia.
9. Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – West Indies
Launched: 2013
Admin: West Indies Cricket Board
Value: $4.6 Million
They call CPL cricket’s “biggest party” because it combines Caribbean vibes with great T20 cricket. The league has built a strong global brand with its bright colours, happy crowds and electric atmosphere. CPL is very important for keeping cricket alive in the Caribbean and helps local players get noticed globally.
10. Women’s Premier League (WPL) – India
Launched: 2023
Admin: BCCI
Value: $3.8 Million
India’s Women’s Premier League is a big step forward for women’s cricket. With BCCI’s support and big names in Indian sports, WPL has delivered good cricket and attracted many viewers in its first seasons. It has given women players the chance, money and attention they have been craving for a long time. With growing business interest and lots of fan support, WPL is going to change women’s cricket worldwide.
