Top 10 Biggest Cricket Franchise Team in The World 2025

by karan — April 21, 2025 in Cricket

Cricket has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, transforming from a traditional sport into a global entertainment phenomenon.

At the heart of this evolution are the cricket franchise leagues that have captivated millions of fans worldwide.

The concept of the biggest cricket franchise team in the world has become a topic of intense interest among cricket enthusiasts, sports investors, and media outlets alike.

These franchise teams have revolutionized how cricket is played, watched, and monetized across the globe.

What started with India’s IPL in 2008 has sparked a worldwide trend, with numerous countries launching their franchise-based cricket leagues.

These tournaments not only showcase thrilling cricket action but have also become lucrative business ventures worth billions of dollars.

The franchises compete not just on the field but also in terms of brand value, fan following, revenue generation, and star power.

Table of Contents

Biggest Cricket Franchise Team in The World

Today’s cricket franchises represent a perfect blend of sporting excellence and commercial success, creating new avenues for players, coaches, and support staff while delivering an entertaining product to cricket lovers.

Top 10 Richest Cricket Leagues In The World

Rank	Country	League Name	Started	Administrator	Estimated Value
1	India	Indian Premier League (IPL)	2008	BCCI	$10.9 Billion
2	UAE	International T20 League (ILT20)	2023	Emirates Cricket Board	$15 Million
3	South Africa	SA20	2023	Cricket South Africa (CSA)	$12.5 Million
4	Australia	Big Bash League (BBL)	2011	Cricket Australia	$10 Million
5	England	The Hundred	2021	England and Wales Cricket Board	$9 Million
6	USA	Major League Cricket (MLC)	2023	American Cricket Enterprises	$6.9 Million
7	Pakistan	Pakistan Super League (PSL)	2016	Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)	$5.7 Million
8	Bangladesh	Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)	2012	Bangladesh Cricket Board	$4.8 Million
9	West Indies	Caribbean Premier League (CPL)	2013	Cricket West Indies	$3.5 Million*
10	Sri Lanka	Lanka Premier League (LPL)	2020	Sri Lanka Cricket	$2.5 Million*

*Estimated values based on available information

Indian Premier League (IPL)

The Indian Premier League stands tall as the undisputed king of cricket leagues worldwide. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has transformed cricket’s economic landscape and redefined sports entertainment in India and beyond.

History and Growth

The IPL was conceived by Lalit Modi and launched by the BCCI as an eight-team tournament in 2008. What started as an experimental concept has grown into a cricketing juggernaut that now features ten franchises competing in a two-month spectacle. The league’s growth has been nothing short of phenomenal:

2008: Initial tournament with 8 teams and a brand value of approximately $400 million
2018: Brand value crossed $6 billion mark
2022: Media rights sold for a staggering $6.2 billion for the 2023-2027 cycle
2023: League expanded to 10 teams with matches across multiple Indian cities

Financial Powerhouse

The IPL’s financial might is unparalleled in cricket:

Annual Revenue: Exceeds $6 billion
Franchise Values: Top teams like the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are valued at over $1 billion each
Player Salaries: Top players earn between $1-2 million for the two-month tournament
Broadcast Reach: Viewership across 200+ countries with over 400 million viewers annually

The IPL’s success formula combines star power, local connect, and entertainment value, making it the template that every other cricket league aspires to follow. Its influence extends beyond cricket, impacting how other sports are marketed and consumed in India and globally.

International T20 League (ILT20) – UAE

The International T20 League (ILT20) is the UAE’s ambitious entry into the franchise cricket arena. Launched in 2023, it has quickly established itself as the second most valuable cricket league globally.

Strategic Advantages

The ILT20 leverages several unique factors that contribute to its rapid rise:

Tax-Free Environment: Operating in the UAE offers significant financial advantages for players and investors
Strategic Location: Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve as convenient hubs accessible from all cricket-playing nations
World-Class Infrastructure: Features some of the best cricket stadiums and training facilities globally
IPL Connections: Six of the league’s teams are owned by IPL franchise owners, creating synergies

Financial Structure

The ILT20 has made headlines for its attractive financial model:

Player Contracts: Offers some of the highest-paying contracts outside the IPL
Ownership Model: Backed by deep-pocketed IPL team owners and global investors
Broadcast Deals: Secured substantial TV and digital rights deals across multiple territories

Despite being a newcomer, the ILT20 has positioned itself as a premium cricket product by leveraging the UAE’s strategic advantages and learning from established leagues.

SA20 – South Africa

The SA20 represents South Africa’s renewed attempt at establishing a successful T20 franchise league after previous unsuccessful ventures. Launched in 2023, it has quickly become one of the most watched cricket tournaments in South Africa.

Revival of Franchise Cricket

South Africa had previously attempted to establish franchise leagues like the Global T20 League and Mzansi Super League, which faced challenges:

Previous Failures: Earlier leagues struggled with financial viability and organizational issues
Fresh Approach: SA20 learned from past mistakes and brought in experienced partners
IPL Influence: All six teams are owned by IPL franchise owners, bringing expertise and financial stability

Key Strengths

The SA20 has several factors working in its favor:

Cricket Heritage: South Africa’s strong cricket tradition and passionate fan base
Player Quality: Access to world-class South African players and international stars
Venue Diversity: Matches held across South Africa’s picturesque and diverse cricket grounds

The SA20 represents a crucial initiative for South African cricket’s financial health and has shown promising signs of becoming a sustainable cricket property with long-term potential.

Big Bash League (BBL)

Australia’s Big Bash League has established itself as one of the most successful cricket leagues globally since its launch in 2011. Known for its family-friendly approach and innovation, the BBL has become a summer tradition in Australia.

Entertainment-First Approach

The BBL pioneered many entertainment elements now common in T20 leagues:

Family Focus: Affordable tickets and child-friendly scheduling during school holidays
Match Experience: Fireworks, music, and interactive fan activities at every match
Broadcast Innovation: Microphones on players, helmet cameras, and dynamic graphics
Match Timing: Fast-paced 3-hour matches designed to fit family viewing schedules

Commercial Success

Despite a smaller population base than many cricket nations, the BBL has achieved remarkable commercial results:

Attendance Records: Regular sell-out crowds exceeding 40,000 spectators
Broadcast Viewership: Consistently ranks among Australia’s most-watched sports programs
Sponsorship Appeal: Attracts premium brands targeting family demographics

The BBL’s success demonstrates that cricket leagues can thrive through innovation and family focus rather than simply following the IPL model. Its influence on how cricket is presented and consumed extends far beyond Australia.

The Hundred – England

The Hundred stands as cricket’s most radical format innovation in recent years. Launched by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in 2021, this 100-ball tournament represents England’s bold attempt to attract new audiences to cricket.

Format Innovation

The Hundred introduced several revolutionary changes to cricket’s traditional format:

100-Ball Innings: Each team faces exactly 100 balls (rather than 120 in T20)
10-Ball Blocks: Bowlers can deliver either 5 or 10 consecutive balls
Strategic Timeouts: Teams can call a strategic break to adjust tactics
Simplified Scoring: Focus on runs scored rather than traditional cricket terminology

Gender Equality Focus

One of The Hundred’s most distinctive features is its emphasis on gender equality:

Dual Tournaments: Men’s and women’s competitions run simultaneously
Double-Headers: Many matches feature men’s and women’s games at the same venue on the same day
Equal Promotion: Marketing efforts give equal prominence to male and female players

Despite initial skepticism from cricket traditionalists, The Hundred has achieved solid attendance figures and broadcast ratings, particularly for women’s matches.

Major League Cricket (MLC) – USA

Major League Cricket represents cricket’s most significant push into the American sports market. Launched in 2023, this T20 league aims to establish cricket as a mainstream sport in the United States, the world’s largest sports market.

Strategic Importance

MLC’s significance extends beyond just another cricket league:

New Market Development: Tapping into the previously underserved North American cricket market
Expatriate Appeal: Engaging the large South Asian diaspora in the United States
2024 T20 World Cup: Building momentum ahead of the USA co-hosting the T20 World Cup
Olympic Ambitions: Positioning cricket for potential inclusion in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics

Ownership Structure

MLC has attracted significant investment and expertise:

IPL Connections: Multiple IPL owners have invested in MLC franchises
Technology Backing: Significant investment from Silicon Valley tech executives
Strategic Partners: Cricket West Indies and other cricket boards as stakeholders

While MLC faces the challenge of breaking into a saturated sports market, it has the financial backing and strategic vision to potentially transform cricket’s global footprint.

Pakistan Super League (PSL)

The Pakistan Super League has emerged as one of cricket’s most compelling success stories, overcoming significant challenges to become a premier T20 competition. Launched in 2016, the PSL has played a crucial role in revitalizing Pakistan cricket.

Journey and Resilience

The PSL’s path has been marked by remarkable resilience:

Initial Challenges: The First three seasons were held entirely in the UAE due to security concerns in Pakistan
Gradual Homecoming: Phased return to Pakistan beginning with the 2017 final
Full Homecoming: Since 2020, the entire tournament has been held in Pakistan

Cultural Impact

Beyond cricket, the PSL has become a cultural phenomenon in Pakistan:

National Pride: Symbolizes Pakistan’s resilience and return of international cricket
Entertainment Fusion: Integration of Pakistani music, arts, and culture
Social Cohesion: Brings together fans from different provinces and backgrounds

The PSL represents much more than just cricket for Pakistan—it symbolizes the country’s resilience and the return of international sports to Pakistani soil.

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)

The Bangladesh Premier League has established itself as an important fixture in the global T20 calendar since its launch in 2012. Despite facing challenges, the BPL has contributed significantly to Bangladesh cricket’s development.

Evolution and Challenges

The BPL’s journey has included both successes and setbacks:

Ownership Changes: Multiple changes in franchise ownership and league structure
Corruption Issues: Early seasons faced match-fixing allegations, requiring reorganization
Financial Stability: Gradual improvement in financial models and sustainability

Player Development Impact

The BPL has been crucial for Bangladesh cricket’s talent development:

Local Talent Exposure: Bangladeshi players competing alongside international stars
Performance Platform: Showcase for selectors beyond national team matches
Skill Enhancement: Particularly in T20-specific skills like power hitting and variations in bowling

Despite operating on a smaller financial scale than some other leagues, the BPL plays a vital role in Bangladesh’s cricket ecosystem.

Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

The Caribbean Premier League has established itself as cricket’s most vibrant and culturally distinctive T20 tournament since its inception in 2013.

Known as the “Biggest Party in Sport,” the CPL combines elite cricket with the Caribbean’s unique festive atmosphere.

Cultural Fusion

The CPL’s distinctive identity comes from its cultural integration:

Carnival Atmosphere: Incorporates elements of Caribbean carnival traditions
Music Integration: Live performances by calypso, soca, and reggae artists
Island Identity: Each franchise strongly represents its island’s distinctive culture

Tourism Impact

Beyond sports, the CPL has become a significant tourism driver:

Visitor Numbers: Attracts thousands of cricket tourists to the Caribbean annually
Economic Impact: Generated over $100 million in annual tourism revenue pre-pandemic
Global Exposure: Broadcasts showcase Caribbean destinations to worldwide audiences

The CPL represents a successful model of regional cooperation in cricket, bringing together the diverse nations of the Caribbean under one tournament.

Lanka Premier League (LPL) – Sri Lanka

The Lanka Premier League is Sri Lanka’s entry into the franchise T20 arena. Launched in 2020 after several postponements, the LPL aims to revitalize Sri Lankan cricket through a professional franchise model.

Development Focus

The LPL’s primary purpose extends beyond entertainment:

Talent Pipeline: Creating a structured pathway for emerging Sri Lankan cricketers
Professional Environment: Exposing local players to professional team structures
Skills Development: Particular focus on T20-specific skills lacking in traditional Sri Lankan cricket

While smaller in scale than some established leagues, the LPL fills a crucial role in Sri Lankan cricket’s ecosystem by providing professional opportunities and development pathways that were previously lacking.

Future Of Cricket Leagues

The landscape of cricket leagues continues to evolve rapidly, with several key trends shaping the future of franchise cricket globally.

Global Expansion

Cricket leagues are expanding into new territories:

North American Growth: Development of leagues in the USA and Canada
European Potential: Emerging cricket markets in continental Europe
East Asian Interest: Growing cricket interest in Japan and China
Associate Nation Development: Smaller cricket nations launching domestic leagues

Calendar Integration

Addressing the increasingly crowded cricket calendar:

Window Coordination: Cricket boards working toward dedicated league windows
Player Workload Management: Systems to monitor and manage player participation across leagues
International Balance: Finding equilibrium between franchise and international cricket

Technology Integration

Technological advances are reshaping the league experience:

Immersive Viewing: Virtual and augmented reality viewing experiences
Data Analytics: Advanced performance metrics informing team strategy
Fan Engagement: Interactive technologies for in-stadium and remote fans

The future of cricket leagues will likely see a balance between globalization and localization, maintaining distinctive local flavors while operating within an increasingly integrated global system.

FAQs

What is the richest cricket league in the world?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is by far the richest cricket league globally, with a valuation of approximately $10.9 billion. Its broadcast rights for 2023-2027 alone were sold for $6.2 billion, making it one of the most valuable sports properties worldwide.

How do cricket leagues make money?

Cricket leagues generate revenue through multiple streams:

Broadcast rights: Television and streaming deals (typically 50-70% of revenue)
Sponsorships: Title sponsors, team sponsors, and in-game advertising
Gate receipts: Ticket sales and stadium hospitality
Merchandise: Official league and team merchandise sales

Why has the IPL been so much more successful than other cricket leagues?

The IPL’s exceptional success stems from several factors:

Market size: Access to India’s massive cricket-loving population (1.4 billion)
Timing advantage: First-mover advantage as the pioneering major T20 league
Star power: Ability to attract the world’s best players with high salaries
Corporate backing: Strong support from major Indian corporations

Are cricket leagues profitable for team owners?

Profitability varies significantly between leagues:

IPL franchises: Most are now profitable, with annual returns of 15-20% for established teams
Tier-two leagues: Break-even or modest profits for well-managed franchises
Newer leagues: Often require 3-5 years to reach profitability

How do cricket leagues impact international cricket?

Cricket leagues have a complex relationship with international cricket:

Positive impacts: Improved player skills, financial support for cricket boards, expanded global audience
Challenges: Schedule conflicts, player availability issues, concentration of power with wealthy boards
Player priorities: Tension between national duties and lucrative league contracts

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Conclusion:

The rise of franchise cricket leagues represents one of the most significant transformations in cricket’s long history.

What began with the IPL in 2008 has evolved into a global phenomenon that has fundamentally altered the sport’s economic landscape, player careers, and fan experiences.

These leagues have created a new cricket ecosystem where players can build sustainable careers beyond international cricket, investors can participate in the sport’s commercial growth, and fans can enjoy high-quality cricket entertainment throughout the year.

The IPL stands as the undisputed leader in this space, setting benchmarks for commercial success that other leagues aspire to reach.

Yet each league has carved out its unique identity—from the CPL’s carnival atmosphere to the PSL’s role in cricket’s return to Pakistan, from the BBL’s family focus to the MLC’s American frontier spirit.

This diversity enriches the global cricket landscape and provides different models for success.

Looking ahead, the challenge for cricket will be balancing the continued growth of franchise leagues with the preservation of international cricket’s special place in the sport.

The most successful approach will likely involve greater coordination between cricket boards, leagues, and player representatives to create a calendar that allows all formats to flourish.

What remains certain is that franchise cricket leagues are now a permanent and integral part of cricket’s future.

Their continued evolution will shape not just how cricket is played and watched but also how the sport expands into new markets and adapts to changing entertainment landscapes.

For players, fans, and investors alike, this promises an exciting future for one of the world’s oldest team sports.