About the Indian Premier League

The World's Most Exciting Cricket League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India contested during April and May of every year by franchise teams representing Indian cities. The league has transformed the face of cricket globally, becoming one of the most-watched and richest sporting events in the world.

The Journey of IPL

From Concept to Global Phenomenon

Founded in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the IPL was conceptualized as India's answer to football's English Premier League and basketball's NBA. The league introduced a franchise-based model to cricket, combining sports, entertainment, and business in an unprecedented format.

The inaugural season featured eight teams and was won by Rajasthan Royals under Shane Warne's captaincy. What began as an experiment quickly captivated fans across the country and eventually, the world. The tournament's success prompted similar leagues in other cricket-playing nations, cementing T20 as cricket's most commercially viable format.

Over the years, the IPL has expanded to include ten teams and has witnessed numerous historic moments, from last-ball finishes to record-breaking performances. The league has grown from strength to strength, with its broadcast rights valued at over $6.2 billion for the 2023-2027 cycle, making it one of the most valuable sporting properties globally.

2008

The Beginning

First season launched with 8 teams, won by Rajasthan Royals

2011

Expansion

League expanded to 10 teams, with new franchises added

2015

Global Recognition

IPL valued as the sixth most valuable sports league in the world

2020

Adaptation

Successfully conducted in UAE during challenging global circumstances

2022

New Era

Expanded again to 10 teams with record-breaking media rights deal

How IPL Works

Tournament Structure

The IPL follows a compact, high-intensity format that ensures maximum entertainment and competitive cricket over approximately two months.

League Stage

Ten teams compete in a double round-robin format, where each team plays against all other teams twice – once at home and once away. This results in each team playing 18 matches, for a total of 70 league matches.

Playoffs

The top four teams from the league stage advance to the playoffs, which follows a unique format designed to reward consistent performance.

Qualifier 1

The top two teams play each other, with the winner advancing directly to the final. This gives a significant advantage to teams that performed well in the league stage.

Eliminator

The third and fourth-placed teams compete, with the loser eliminated and the winner proceeding to Qualifier 2.

Qualifier 2

The loser of Qualifier 1 faces the winner of the Eliminator, with the victor advancing to the final.

The Final

The ultimate showdown between the winner of Qualifier 1 and the winner of Qualifier 2 determines the IPL champion.

74 Total Matches

10 Teams

60 Days

The IPL Revolution

The Indian Premier League has revolutionized cricket in multiple ways, creating far-reaching impacts on the sport, business, and culture.

Cricketing Evolution

The IPL has transformed how cricket is played, fostering innovation in batting techniques, bowling variations, and fielding standards. The tournament has become a laboratory for cricket's evolution, with strategies and skills developed here spreading to international cricket.

Young talents sharing dressing rooms with international stars has accelerated skill development and tactical understanding, leading to a new generation of fearless cricketers comfortable with pressure situations.

Economic Powerhouse

With a valuation exceeding $10 billion, the IPL has created a robust cricket economy that supports players, coaches, support staff, broadcasters, and numerous ancillary industries.

The league provides financial security to hundreds of cricketers beyond the international stars, allowing many to pursue cricket as a sustainable career. The tournament generates employment for thousands and contributes significantly to India's sports economy.

Cultural Phenomenon

The IPL has transcended sport to become a cultural event that brings together people from diverse backgrounds. The tournament has made cricket more accessible to casual fans and non-traditional cricket audiences, including women and children.

By combining cricket with entertainment elements like music, celebrity involvement, and spectacular production values, the IPL has created a modern sporting spectacle that captures the nation's attention for two months every year.

Global Influence

The success of the IPL has inspired similar leagues around the world, from Australia's Big Bash to the Caribbean Premier League, creating a global T20 ecosystem that allows players to earn livelihoods as league specialists.

The tournament has become a global sporting property, broadcasted in numerous countries and followed by millions worldwide, enhancing cricket's international appeal beyond traditional cricket-playing nations.

The IPL Experience

More than just cricket matches, the IPL delivers a unique sporting and entertainment experience that captures the imagination of millions.

High-Octane Cricket

The T20 format ensures non-stop action with explosive batting, clever bowling, and athletic fielding creating memorable moments in every match.

Electric Atmosphere

Packed stadiums with passionate fans, music, cheerleaders, and spectacular light shows create an unmatched sporting ambience.

Global Superstars

The world's best cricketers competing together creates dream matchups and unprecedented collaborations between international rivals.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Advanced broadcasting with spider cams, stump mics, thermal cameras, and immersive analytics enhances the viewing experience.

Emerging Talent

The IPL provides a platform for undiscovered talents to showcase their skills alongside established stars on a global stage.

Thrilling Finishes

The tournament is known for nail-biting conclusions, with Super Overs, last-ball finishes, and dramatic turnarounds a regular feature.

Experience the Excitement of IPL 2025

Join millions of fans in following the action, drama, and entertainment of cricket's biggest spectacle.

View Match Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

When does IPL 2025 start and where will it be held?

IPL 2025 is expected to begin in April 2025 and conclude in May 2025, hosted across cities in India such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Matches will take place at iconic stadiums, with each team playing at home and away venues.

Which teams are participating in IPL 2025?

IPL 2025 will feature 10 teams: Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

How are IPL 2025 teams formed?

Teams acquire players through auctions, where franchises bid for talent. Teams can retain key players and trade others during transfer windows. Each squad must include a mix of Indian and overseas players, with a limit of four foreign players in the playing XI.

What is the IPL 2025 match format?

IPL 2025 follows the T20 format, with each team batting for 20 overs. Matches last approximately 3.5 hours, including a break between innings, delivering fast-paced cricket for fans.

Where can I follow IPL 2025 live?

In India, IPL 2025 will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. Fans outside India can watch via local broadcasters or streaming platforms with IPL rights.

How is a tie resolved in IPL 2025 matches?

In case of a tie, a Super Over decides the winner. Each team bats for one over with two wickets in hand. The team scoring more runs in the Super Over wins.