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, reshaping the landscape of T20 cricket. It has set the blueprint for other T20 leagues across the world, introduced innovative cricketing rules, and catalysed the growth of the sport in non-traditional regions.
When the IPL launched, 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. 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 almost all the cricket leagues worldwide in some way or the other.
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.