T20 Franchise Leagues: Beyond the IPL to BBL, PSL, and SA20
The IPL's financial model has been replicated across the world — BBL (Australia), PSL (Pakistan), SA20 (South Africa), CPL (Caribbean), The Hundred (England), LPL (Sri Lanka), and ILT20 (UAE) all compete for players and viewers. This guide covers the major T20 leagues, their business models, and their impact on international cricket.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), launched in 2008, proved that cricket franchise leagues could generate billions in revenue and transform the global sport's economics. Within 15 years, over a dozen T20 franchise leagues had launched globally — each attempting to replicate the IPL's combination of city-based teams, high-profile player auctions, and broadcast-first commercial models. Not all succeeded equally; the financial gap between the IPL and all other leagues remains enormous.
Big Bash League (Australia)
The BBL launched in 2011 under Cricket Australia as an eight-team T20 competition — initially struggling to attract international stars due to IPL scheduling conflicts. The BBL found its identity through family-friendly marketing, interactive stadium experiences, and broadcast deals with Channel 7 and Foxtel. Seasons run December-February (Australian summer). Average BBL attendance is among the highest for any T20 league outside the IPL. The BBL's key challenge: competing with the IPL for international player availability in the same season.
Pakistan Super League (PSL)
The PSL (launched 2016) gave Pakistan's cricket economy a major boost — demonstrating that Pakistan could host international players and produce a commercially viable league despite security concerns. Initially played in UAE, the PSL moved most of its matches to Pakistan by 2019-2020. The Lahore Qalandars' 2022 victory (their first title, in front of 27,500 fans at Gaddafi Stadium) was a landmark moment for Pakistan cricket's revival. The PSL produces players directly into Pakistan's Test pipeline — Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan both made PSL breakthroughs before Test selection.
The Hundred (England)
The Hundred (launched 2021 by the ECB) is unique among T20 leagues: it uses 100-ball innings rather than 20 overs — each over is 5 or 10 balls, with a 'change ends' after every 10 balls. The format sparked intense controversy among cricket traditionalists; proponents argued it attracts new audiences (shorter, more accessible). The Hundred is fully broadcast-supported (BBC + Sky) and city-based (London Spirit, Manchester Originals, etc.) rather than county-based. Player salaries are lower than IPL; international players participate in both men's and women's competitions.
Frequently asked questions
Which T20 franchise leagues exist globally?
Major T20 franchise leagues: IPL (India), BBL (Australia), PSL (Pakistan), SA20 (South Africa), CPL (Caribbean Premier League), The Hundred (England), ILT20 (UAE/International League T20), LPL (Sri Lanka Premier League), and BPL (Bangladesh Premier League). The IPL is by far the highest-paying and most commercially valuable.
How is The Hundred different from normal T20 cricket?
The Hundred uses 100-ball innings rather than 20 six-ball overs (120 balls). Each set is 10 balls; bowlers bowl either 5 or 10 consecutive balls. Teams change ends after every 10 balls instead of every 6. The format was designed to attract new audiences with a simpler structure and approximately the same match duration as T20 cricket.
Who owns PSL franchises?
PSL franchise ownership is primarily Pakistani business groups and international investors. Teams include Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Islamabad United, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, and Multan Sultans. Unlike the IPL (where franchises are valued at billions), PSL franchise values are lower but growing rapidly as Pakistan's cricket market develops.