Global T20 Cricket Leagues: IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20 and More Explained
T20 franchise cricket has expanded worldwide. Learn the major T20 leagues — IPL, BBL, PSL, SA20, ILT20, CPL, The Hundred — who they're run by, and what makes each one distinctive.
The IPL: the gold standard
The Indian Premier League (IPL), run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), is the world's most valuable cricket league and the second-most-watched sporting league globally (after the NFL). Ten franchises compete in a 74-match season from March to May. The IPL generates billions in broadcast revenue and sets player salary benchmarks for the entire sport. The annual IPL auction, where teams bid for uncapped and overseas players, is a major media event. In 2023, the BCCI launched the Women's Premier League (WPL) as a companion franchise competition.
The Big Bash League (BBL) — Australia
Cricket Australia's BBL (8 teams, January) and the companion WBBL (women's) run simultaneously in the Australian summer on free-to-air TV — the most-watched T20 league outside India. The BBL introduced innovative rules such as the 'Bash Boost' (bonus points for leading after 10 overs) and the 'X-Factor' (a player substitution available before the 11th over of each innings), which other leagues have since adopted in modified forms.
PSL (Pakistan Super League)
The Pakistan Super League (6 teams, February–March) is Pakistan Cricket Board's flagship domestic franchise competition. The PSL has attracted significant international investment and star players, becoming one of the top four T20 leagues by broadcast value. All PSL matches are now played in Pakistan after initially being staged in the UAE for security reasons.
SA20, ILT20 and The Hundred
SA20 (6 teams, South Africa, January) — backed by IPL franchise owners. ILT20 (International League T20, UAE, January–February) — another IPL-ownership backed league. The Hundred (8 teams, England, August) — the ECB's 100-ball format league, unique in using a different ball-counting system. CPL (Caribbean Premier League, August–September). LPL (Lanka Premier League, Sri Lanka). These leagues collectively form a global T20 calendar that runs almost year-round, creating both opportunities and scheduling conflicts for international cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Which T20 league pays the most?
The IPL offers the highest salaries by far — top players can earn $2–5 million per season for the six-week competition. SA20 and The Hundred offer the next-highest rates among non-IPL leagues.
Can any player enter the IPL?
International players must be available during the IPL window (typically late March to May). BCCI-contracted Indian players are centrally retained by their franchises; international players enter the annual auction.