T20 leagues are one of the fastest growing commercial platforms in cricket, and they attract a lot of interest internationally. The fun quotient of T20 cricket is never depleted, but ODI cricket has begun to lose its character. Fans like shorter forms since they conclude fast and allow for more boundaries to be crossed.
This also brings us to the fact that a lot of money is involved in the processing of the worldwide T20 event, and the players presently have much more luxury than in the past. Given the success of the leagues, several corporations have shown interest in investing in franchises for the T20 competition.
There is fierce rivalry among leagues for popularity, and the prize money differs across T20 leagues. With that stated, let us take a look at the three MOST POPULAR T20 Cricket leagues around the world right now.
Number 3. Pakistan Super League
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Image Source – Twitter.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) developed the Pakistan Super League, which has been one of the fastest-growing cricket leagues, and the competition is gaining popularity. Despite the demanding schedule, certain T20 superstars have chosen to participate in the competition, and up to five international names may be featured in the playing XI, making it considerably more competitive.
The inaugural edition of the tournament was held in 2016, and six franchises are presently competing: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Quetta Gladiators. Islamabad United is the most successful franchise, having won two championships, while Lahore Qalandars is the current champion. The top four clubs from each group stage advance to the playoffs.
The financial award in the PSL was initially significantly smaller than in other leagues, although it has since increased in recent years. The tournament winner earns PKR 80 million, which is roughly equivalent to INR 3.40 crores, while the runner-up receives PKR 32 million. The competition winner wins PKR 3 million.
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Number 2. Big Bash League
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Image Source – Twitter.
Cricket Australia (CA) launched the Big Bash League (BBL) in 2011 as the country’s main T20 league event, with the first season taking place in 2011-12. The competition has a lot of watchers, and the audience attendance may be extremely impressive at times. Over the years, the event has been a huge success, and a women’s BBL has begun.
Australia has traditionally had some of the strongest cricketing talents, therefore the outside presence in the competition has often been overshadowed by the locals. Many well-known personalities have competed in the event, and given the level of competition, the platform might be utilized to break onto the worldwide scene as well.
In the group stages, the Adelaide Strikers, Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Thunder, Hobart Hurricanes, Perth Scorchers, and Brisbane Heat compete against each other. The top five teams advance to the playoffs, which decide the finals. The event winner earns a cash reward of $450,000 (INR 2.48 crores), while the runner-up receives $260,000. The two losing semi-finalists each get $80,000, with the fifth-place team receiving $20,000.
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Number 1. Indian Premier League
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Image Source – Twitter.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is without a doubt the most popular T20 league in the world, and its success is obvious in the manner the event is organized. While the BCCI has rigorously prohibited Indian contracted players from competing in other T20 leagues, the money involved in the competition is fairly significant in comparison to the other leagues.
Fans go to the games in large numbers, and the two months are generally treated as a festival inside the nation. The inaugural event was contested in 2008, with the Rajasthan Royals emerging victorious. Gujarat Titans are the current champions, with the Mumbai Indians having won the most championships (five), followed by the extremely famous Chennai Super Kings.
The establishment of the IPL has brought the game to a new level in the nation, and a lot of potential has been found from all places. Previously, eight teams competed, but this year the number has expanded to 10, with the top four qualifying for the playoffs to select the finals. The tournament winner earns INR 20 crores, while the runner-up receives INR 13 crores. The third and fourth-placed teams each get INR 6.5 crores, which is much more than in previous cricket competitions.
