Top 10: Most Popular T20 Leagues in World

Ever since the T20 format has been introduced, cricket has become all the more entertaining and fast-paced. With various T20 leagues being played worldwide, the game’s popularity has seen a rapid rise, with the shorter format producing some high-voltage contests.

In this piece, we discuss T20 leagues that are at the top when it comes to their popularity and the talent they possess. The players in these leagues possess different skill sets, but when it comes to entertaining the crowd, they lit up these leagues with some sensational performances.

We discuss the top 10 most popular T20 leagues in detail:

1. Indian Premier League (India)

Arguably one of the richest and most successful T20 leagues in the sport, the IPL has taken the sport to another level. The tournament attracts billions of viewers from around the world, while players of 10 teams are paid an attractive amount.

The tournament completed its 17th season this year, having started in 2008, and the prize money for the winners was 200 million Indian rupees. Franchises bid for international as well as domestic players from across the world.

2. Big Bash League (Australia)

Cricket Australia introduced its club-based T20 tournament in 2011, consisting of 8 teams. Winners of the Big Bash League receive a hefty prize money of USD 450,000, and it is the third highest worldwide. The popularity of the tournament continues to attract millions of viewers.

3. T20 Blast (England)

It is also known as Vitality Blast and it is the oldest T20 competition. It is organised by the England Cricket Board (ECB). It was introduced in 2003, with 18 teams in action. The winning team gets prize money of USD 236,127.

4. Pakistan Super League (Pakistan)

The tournament was introduced in 2016, with 6 teams participating in the tournament. It has also grown in popularity in recent years. The tournament offers prize money of USD 505,000 for the winning team.

5. Caribbean Premier League (West Indies)

CPL reflects a taste of Caribbean cricket with a festival-like atmosphere, energetic music, and high-voltage contests. It determines the enthusiasm of passionate fans.

Cricketers from the Caribbean play different T20 leagues and CPL is no different. It offers a prize money of USD 429,799 for the winning team, where 6 teams participate.

6. Bangladesh Premier League (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh Cricket Board introduced this tournament in 2012, and it was quite successful. It is a sought-after professional league in Bangladesh where 7 teams participate, and the winner is awarded a prize money of USD 236,099. 

7. Lanka Premier League (Sri Lanka)

It was introduced in 2020 by the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, where 6 teams participate. The tournament has witnessed some homegrown talent from Sri Lanka. The winner of the tournament gets a prize money of USD 100,000.

8. Major League Cricket (USA)

Major League Cricket looks to capture audience and viewership through its T20 tournament. The competition, which started in 2023, consists of 6 teams, where some of the biggest stars of international cricket play for different franchises. The winning team gets awarded USD 150,000.

9. SA20 (South Africa)

Cricket South Africa introduced the SA20 tournament in 2023, replacing the Mzansi Super League. It consists of 6 franchise teams. The tournament offers a prize money of 325,000 Rands for the winning team.

10. International League T20 ( UAE)

The International League T20 started in 2023, and the Gulf Giants won the first edition. It consists of 6 teams, and 9 overseas players are allowed in each team, with the other two places being for the players from the UAE. The prize money for the winning team is USD 700,000.

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