T20 cricket has rapidly become one of the most thrilling and popular formats in the sport, with its short, intense matches drawing in millions of fans across the globe. Among the numerous T20 leagues, a select few stand out due to their worldwide reach, star power, and significant brand value. Here’s a look at the top 5 most popular T20 cricket leagues in the world, focusing on their brand value, viewership, and what makes them so special.
5. Pakistan Super League (PSL)
Brand Value: US $240 million
Viewership: 57.6 million
Launched in 2016, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) quickly gained traction, despite initially being held outside of Pakistan due to security concerns. Over the past six seasons, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has successfully organized the league, with matches now regularly hosted in Pakistan.
The PSL is known for showcasing some of the best local and international players, with a particular focus on bowling talent. It is widely regarded as a prime platform for discovering future bowling stars. In 2020, the league’s brand value was estimated at US $240 million, while the fifth season garnered an impressive viewership of 57.6 million. The PSL has cultivated a loyal fan base both within Pakistan and internationally.
4. Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
Brand Value: US $371 million
Viewership: 523.5 million
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a vibrant reflection of the rich cricketing tradition in the West Indies, a region that has won two T20 World Cups. The league has been instrumental in developing several talented players such as Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Brandon King, who now play in various international leagues.
In recent years, the CPL has witnessed remarkable growth in both viewership and brand value. By 2020, its brand value had increased to US $371 million, and its viewership surged to 523.5 million across television and digital platforms, highlighting its global appeal and the excitement it brings to cricket fans.
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3. T20 Blast
Brand Value: US $450 million
Attendance: 950,000
T20 Blast, based in England and Wales, is the oldest T20 competition, having started in 2003 when T20 cricket was still a novel concept. The tournament was an instant hit and has continued to be a fan favorite. Its unique feature is the participation of 18 teams, adding diversity and excitement to the competition.
In recent years, T20 Blast has drawn large crowds, with a cumulative attendance of 950,000 in its latest season. The league’s brand value is estimated at US $450 million, placing it among the wealthiest T20 leagues globally. While official viewership data isn’t widely available, its popularity remains strong, with over 1.4 million social media followers.
2. Big Bash League (BBL)
Brand Value: AUD 30 million
Viewership: 41.17 million
The Big Bash League (BBL), established by Cricket Australia in 2011, has quickly grown into one of the most popular T20 leagues in the world. It was also the first league to introduce a women’s T20 competition, the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), which has expanded the league’s appeal.
One of the main challenges for the BBL has been its scheduling, which often overlaps with Australia’s international matches. As a result, star players like Steve Smith and David Warner are sometimes unable to participate. Nevertheless, the league maintains a strong fan following, with its brand value currently estimated at AUD 30 million. In 2020, the BBL achieved a record viewership of 41.17 million.
1. Indian Premier League (IPL)
Brand Value: US $6.1 billion
Viewership: 405 million (India alone)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is by far the largest and most popular T20 cricket league in the world. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has revolutionized the way cricket is played and watched. It features top players from around the world, including Indian superstars like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma. One of IPL’s strengths is its scheduling—no international matches take place during its season, allowing the best talent from across the globe to participate.
Despite the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the IPL broke viewership records in 2020. According to BARC data, 405 million people in India alone tuned in to watch the tournament, out of a total television universe of 836 million. With a brand value of US $6.1 billion, IPL not only dominates the T20 landscape but also makes a significant contribution to the Indian economy, adding ₹11.5 billion to the nation’s GDP in 2015.
Table of Most Popular T20 Cricket Leagues in the World
| Rank | League | Brand Value | Viewership/Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Premier League (IPL) | US $6.1 billion | 405 million viewers (India) |
| 2 | Big Bash League (BBL) | AUD 30 million | 41.17 million viewers |
| 3 | T20 Blast | US $450 million | 950,000 attendance |
| 4 | Caribbean Premier League (CPL) | US $371 million | 523.5 million viewers |
| 5 | Pakistan Super League (PSL) | US $240 million | 57.6 million viewers |
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