T20 Franchise Cricket: IPL, BBL, CPL and the Global League Landscape
A guide to the major T20 franchise cricket leagues worldwide — IPL, Big Bash, Caribbean Premier League, The Hundred, SA20, ILT20, MLC and more. How they work and why they matter.
The Rise of T20 Franchise Cricket
Since the inaugural Indian Premier League season in 2008, T20 franchise cricket has transformed the global sport. Franchise leagues attract elite players from every nation to play in city-based teams over 6–10 weeks, generating enormous broadcast revenues and producing a new class of cricket celebrity. By 2026, there are more than 15 established franchise leagues across six continents, and several elite cricketers earn more from franchise contracts than from international cricket salaries.
The Indian Premier League (IPL)
The IPL is the world's most valuable cricket league — consistently ranked among the top five most valuable sports leagues globally. Founded by the BCCI in 2008 and now featuring 10 city-based franchises, the IPL operates an auction system where teams bid for players within a salary cap. The IPL auction is a major annual event in its own right. The league runs for 10 weeks typically in March–May and draws the highest per-match viewership of any cricket broadcast on earth.
Big Bash League (BBL) — Australia
Australia's Big Bash League, launched in 2011–12, features eight city-based teams and typically runs across December and January. The BBL introduced several innovations — the Power Surge (a batting team-triggered two-over powerplay extension), the Bash Boost point, and the X-Factor player (a player swapped at the innings break) — that were adopted partly to differentiate the competition and partly to avoid direct comparisons to IPL rules. BBL remains one of the top four T20 leagues by viewership.
Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
The CPL, launched in 2013, is the primary T20 franchise competition across the Caribbean islands. It represents six territories — Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, St Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis — and is the main platform for developing West Indian T20 talent. The CPL is notable for its enthusiastic crowd atmosphere, music culture, and for producing players like Sunil Narine (who became a global T20 star through CPL).
The Hundred — England and Wales
The Hundred, launched in 2021 by the ECB, is a 100-ball-per-side franchise competition across eight city regions in England and Wales (London Spirit, Manchester Originals, Birmingham Phoenix, etc.). It uses a unique 10-ball over structure, where a bowler can bowl 5 or 10 consecutive balls before changing ends. Designed to attract new audiences, The Hundred runs simultaneously with men's and women's competitions, giving women's cricket maximum visibility.
SA20, ILT20, MLC and the New Wave
Since 2022, a wave of new leagues has emerged. SA20 (South Africa, launched 2023) is co-owned by IPL franchises. ILT20 (UAE, 2023) draws players from South Asia and the Caribbean. MLC (USA Major League Cricket, 2023) aims to grow cricket in North America. The Women's Premier League (WPL, 2023) is the IPL's women's counterpart. Each league operates under slightly different rules on overseas player ratios, auction formats, and broadcast rights, but all use T20 cricket as the shared product.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the richest T20 franchise cricket league?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is by far the most valuable, with a broadcast rights deal of approximately $6 billion for five years (2023–2027). IPL team valuations and player salaries are significantly higher than any other franchise league.
Can international players play in all T20 franchise leagues?
Most leagues allow international players but limit their numbers per squad (typically 5–8 overseas players per squad of 18–25). However, ICC regulations allow players to prioritise international duty over franchise contracts during international windows.
What is the difference between The Hundred and T20?
The Hundred uses 100 balls per innings rather than T20's 120 balls (20 overs × 6 balls). Each bowler bowls 5 or 10 consecutive balls. The shorter format is designed to fit within a fixed 2.5-hour broadcast window.