The IPL returns as one of sport’s most watched competitions, blending global stars, high stakes and franchise rivalries across India’s major cities.
The Indian Premier League remains the most prominent franchise T20 competition in world cricket, with the 2026 edition expected to begin in March, following its traditional window in the international calendar. Organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the tournament features 10 teams and a group-stage and playoff format.
History of the competition
The IPL was launched in 2008 to capitalise on the rapid rise of T20 cricket and to create a city-based franchise model similar to global leagues. Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural title under Shane Warne, setting the tone for a competition built on aggressive cricket and global talent.
Since then, the IPL has grown into the most lucrative cricket league, attracting players from across the world and massive broadcast audiences. Its structure has remained largely consistent, with league matches followed by playoffs to determine the champion.
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have been the dominant sides historically, with five titles each, while Kolkata Knight Riders have won three.
10 Teams battling for the title
The IPL features 10 franchises representing major cities: Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants.
Chennai and Mumbai are historically the most consistent, while newer teams such as Gujarat Titans have made an immediate impact, winning the title in their debut season in 2022.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended a long wait for success in 2025, while sides like Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings are still chasing their first title.
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Players of significance
The IPL has played a major role in shaping modern cricket careers. MS Dhoni has been central to Chennai Super Kings’ success, while Virat Kohli is the competition’s leading run-scorer with over 7,000 runs.
Players such as AB de Villiers, Chris Gayle and Lasith Malinga have also left a lasting impact through match-winning performances. The league has also provided a platform for emerging Indian talent to transition quickly into international cricket.
2025’s success story
The 2025 IPL saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru win their first title, defeating Punjab Kings in the final by six runs.
Sai Sudharsan finished as the leading run-scorer with 759 runs, while Prasidh Krishna topped the wicket charts with 25 scalps. The tournament once again highlighted the IPL’s competitive balance, with multiple teams in contention deep into the playoffs.
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What to expect in 2026
The 2026 edition is expected to follow the same 10-team format, with a full schedule of league matches before the playoffs.
Teams such as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will again be among the contenders given their historical consistency, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru will aim to defend their title.
With a mix of experienced international stars and emerging domestic players, the IPL continues to set the benchmark for franchise T20 cricket, both in terms of quality and global reach.
Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images
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