Since its inception in 2008 the IPL, or Indian Premier League has grown from strength to strength. Today, it’s the most widely attended cricket league tournament in the world and is ranked 6th in all sports leagues. In 2010, the IPL made history by becoming the first ever sports event to be streamed in its entirety on YouTube, pushing its brand value up to an estimated $4.5 billion.
As well as offering prime cricket entertainment, the IPL has also given the Indian economy a massive boost, and according to India’s Board of Cricket Control, the 2015 season alone managed to contribute $182 million to the economy. This figure is even more impressive when you consider that the rupee is worth far less than than the American dollar.
The IPL Explained
Essentially, the IPL is India’s professional Twenty20 cricket league. The league season runs from April to May annually and is contested by franchise teams representing each city in India. In Twenty20 matches each of the two teams competing has a single innings, restricted to 20 overs and the aim is to score as highly as possible. Matches typically run for 90 minutes with an interval midway, and this type of cricket is currently recognised by the ICC as one of three forms of cricket that can be played at international or domestic level.
In India the IPL has reinvigorated cricket, and as the games are fast and furious they attract a huge number of spectators. IPL betting sites have also done extremely well off the sport, and wagering on teams and games has become a national pastime too.
At present, the IPL champions are the Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are based in Telangana, Hyderabad and owned by Sun TV Channel Network mogul, Kalanithi Maran. Their 2016 win saw them beat the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and they’re hoping for 2017 victory too. The current champion’s team was founded in 2012 after the Hyderabad Deccan Chargers were disbanded.
Biggest Names in IPL
With every sport there are players who stand head and shoulders above the rest, and the IPL’s biggest stars are akin to rock gods. Player’s worth and popularity can be measured by their monetary value, and the top 5 are valued at eye watering sums.
- Robin Uthappa- Pune Warriors- US$2.1 million (2011)
- Yusuf Pathan -Kolkata Knight Riders – US$2.1 million (2011)
- Yuvraj Singh – Royal Challenger Bangalore-US$$2.33 million (2014)
- Gautam Gambhir -The Kolkata Knight Riders- US$2.4 million (2011)
- Yuvraj Singh -Delhi Daredevils -US$2.67 million (2015)
Biggest Wins and Losses
As the game is so fast it is always action packed and big wins and losses are par for the course.
The Mumbai Indians hold the record for the most wins in IPL history, having notched up 80 wins from 2008-2016. In contrast, the Delhi Daredevils have the dubious honour of the most defeats, having lost 73 games from 2008-2016.
When it comes to winning big, the Royal Challengers Bangalore hold this title, having beaten the Gujarat Lions by 144 runs in 2016. The Kolkata Knight Riders come in second, beating the Royal Challengers Bangalore by 140 runs in 2008, and the Mumbai Indians hold the record for the highest percentage of wins overall, at 57.14.
The IPL looks set to remain a favourite with cricket fans for years to come, and as long as the short, exciting matches, the flamboyant player performances and the adrenalin-fuelled match ups continue, this league will flourish.