10 Fascinating Facts About the History of the Indian Premier League
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most popular professional Twenty20 cricket league in the world. It was launched in 2008 and has since become one of the most popular sports events in India. Here are ten facts about the history of the IPL
1. It was Co-Founded by Lalit Modi
The IPL was co-founded by Lalit Modi, a former vice president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Modi was the driving force behind the IPL’s creation, although he was later ousted from the BCCI in 2010 in a dispute over corruption allegations.
2. The First Season Was Held in 2008
The first season of the IPL was held in 2008. The inaugural season featured eight teams playing 59 matches over 44 days. The inaugural champions were the Rajasthan Royals, who defeated the Chennai Super Kings in the final.
3. It is the Most-Watched Cricket League in the World
The IPL is the most-watched cricket league in the world, with an estimated TV viewership of over 500 million people. It is also the most valuable cricket league in the world, with a brand value of $6.8 billion in 2020.
4. It is the Richest Cricket League in the World
The IPL has the highest payroll for any cricket league in the world, with an estimated total of $2.86 billion spent on player salaries from 2008 to 2020. The highest-paid player in the IPL is Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli, who earns an estimated $2.4 million per year.
5. It Has Hosted Several International Stars
The IPL has hosted several international stars over the years, including some of the world’s best cricketers. Some of the notable players who have participated in the IPL include Chris Gayle, AB de Villiers, Lasith Malinga, Steve Smith, and Ben Stokes.
6. It Has Won Several Awards
The IPL has won several awards over the years, including the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India’s Most Attractive League Award in 2018 and 2019, and the Best Sports League in the World Award in 2019.
7. It Has Contributed to the Growth of Women’s Cricket
The IPL has contributed to the growth of women’s cricket in India, with the introduction of the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2018. The tournament saw three teams compete in a three-match series, with the India Women’s cricket team emerging as the winner.
8. It Has Seen Several Controversies
The IPL has seen its fair share of controversies over the years, ranging from match-fixing allegations to spot-fixing. The most recent controversy was the suspension of the Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for two years in 2015 due to their involvement in a betting scandal.
9. It Has Hosted Several International Tournaments
The IPL has hosted several international tournaments in recent years, including the Champions League Twenty20 in 2009 and 2010 and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Twenty20 Cup in 2012. The IPL also hosted the Women’s T20 Challenge in 2018.
10. It Has Helped Develop Domestic Cricket
The IPL has helped develop domestic cricket in India, with several domestic players making a name for themselves in the tournament. Players such as Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya have gone on to represent India in international cricket.