Cricket is not just a sport; it’s a spectacle, an emotion, and, for the fans, a way of life. While international tournaments like the ICC World Cup capture global attention every four years, there’s one cricketing event that transcends boundaries, breaks records, and dominates conversations every single year—the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The IPL is not just a tournament; it’s a global phenomenon that has redefined how cricket will be played in the future. What makes IPL the biggest thing in cricket today? The answers lie in its structure, financial stakes, adrenaline-fueled gameplay, and unparalleled fan engagement.
Psychological edge: Why does IPL attract more audiences?
First of all, it is an Indian league based on the teams of 10 cities of India. India is a country of almost 1.35 billion people, and cricket is like a religion for this massive population. When India got bowled out for just 36 runs in a test match against Australia in 2021, there were reports that some Indians had committed suicide. During IPL, some audiences feel deeply connected to the team of their city or state, while others want their favourite player’s team to win.
Cricket traditionally values patience, endurance, and strategic planning. ODI World Cups offer teams multiple opportunities to recover from setbacks, while T20 World Cups have a number of low-ranked teams like Namibia and UAE, which result in many one-sided matches and generate low viewership.
In contrast, IPL games are high-intensity and fast-paced. Every match can decide a team’s fate. Almost 70 stars from around the globe and 100+ of India’s best players are selected by the franchises, and the IPL’s short duration forces players to deliver peak performances consistently. Small stadiums and high-energy crowds amplify aggression, making games feel like gladiator battles. Players thrive or crumble under this pressure, and future international stars are shaped during this process.
The billion-dollar industry: IPL’s financial power
The IPL isn’t just about cricket; it’s a business empire. The financial stakes in the league are enormous, with franchises investing millions in acquiring top talent. Unlike ICC tournaments, where players represent their nations, IPL is about franchises demanding an immediate return on investment (ROI). The difference in paychecks is staggering:
- The highest-paid IPL player in 2025 earned $3.1 million for two months of action.
- Centrally contracted players for top international teams earn between $0.6-$0.8 million annually across all formats.
For quality players from teams like West Indies and New Zealand, the central contract is not as important as their career in franchise leagues around the world, especially in IPL, which has become the pinnacle of their careers in the gig economy.
Such high financial stakes mean players treat every match as a career-defining moment. A great IPL season can make an unknown cricketer a millionaire overnight, while a poor season can push a seasoned player into obscurity.
The pace of play: More sixes, more action
The IPL’s format forces aggressive gameplay. Unlike ODIs and Test matches, where batsmen can take time to settle, IPL demands instant action. The scoring rates tell the story:
- IPL:5 – 9.5 runs per over
- T20 World Cup:5 – 8.0 runs per over
- ODI World Cup:5 – 6.0 runs per over
- Test Cricket:5 – 3.5 runs per over
The shorter the format, the higher the risk-taking. Powerplay overs (first six) and death overs (last five) are high-stakes battlegrounds where teams go all out. In 2024 alone, IPL saw a record 1260 sixes hit, averaging 17 sixes per match—far more than any ICC event.
The numbers behind IPL’s dominance
The IPL’s commercial success is unmatched:
- The IPL’s latest media rights deal (2023-2027) sold for $6 billion—making it the second-most valuable sports league globally after the NFL.
- IPL’s per-game media rights value of $15.1 million surpasses the English Premier League ($11.23 million), Major League Baseball ($9.57 million), and the NBA ($2.12 million).
- In 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders took home $2.6 million as champions—more than India received for winning the 2024 T20 World Cup ($2.45 million).
With their massive financial backing through investment from Indian and global corporate sectors, IPL franchises have the resources to build world-class squads, invest in cutting-edge analytics, and attract global superstars.
How IPL builds clutch players
Another reason for IPL’s supremacy is its ability to create “clutch players”—athletes who thrive under pressure. Data analytics show that:
- IPL players have higher strike rates in final overs (15-20% more than T20 World Cup games).
- 58% of IPL games are won by chasing teams, proving the tournament rewards fearless, aggressive play.
- More IPL games go down to the last over compared to any international event, reinforcing its reputation for nail-biting finishes.
Players who excel in IPL’s pressure-cooker environment often go on to become international match-winners, proving that the league is more than just entertainment—it’s a training ground for future superstars.
Why IPL reigns supreme over international cricket
Unlike any other T20 league, IPL has created a monopoly in world cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) does not allow Indian players to participate in foreign leagues, ensuring that the market value of other leagues does not rise with Indian audience involvement. This strategic move keeps IPL in an untouchable financial and competitive position.
As IPL expands, its global influence will only grow. With India’s rising economic power, its grip over cricket will tighten, and other nations will struggle to compete. Cricket boards worldwide, along with the ICC, must take immediate action to ensure the survival of Test cricket, ICC tournaments, and their own franchise leagues.
Unlike football, where FIFA ensures balanced international participation alongside club dominance, cricket is increasingly moving towards IPL-centric supremacy. Its franchises have invested in SA20, The Hundred, CPL and MLC where they abandon the participation of Pakistani players.
The future of international cricket is at stake, and unless the ICC and other cricketing bodies devise a plan to counter IPL’s ever-expanding influence, cricket risks becoming an India-controlled entity rather than a truly global game.
