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.