Top 10 Biggest Cricket Leagues in The World (2025 List)
With the proliferation of T20 leagues around the world, cricket has become more than just a sport, but a global pastime. These leagues have not only transformed the game but also created billion-dollar brands. From the glitz of the IPL to the invention of The Hundred, the world is now witnessing cricket’s popularity across every continent. By 2025, many leagues will be competing for global attention, but only a few will lead in terms of value and participation.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the top 10 biggest cricket leagues worldwide in 2025 and explore each one’s unique features.
Biggest Cricket Leagues in the world: Up-to-Date List 2025
| Rank | League Name | Country | Started | Administrator | Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indian Premier League (IPL) | India | 2008 | BCCI | $8.7 Billion |
| 2 | International League T20 (ILT20) | UAE | 2023 | Emirates Cricket Board | $15 Million |
| 3 | SA20 | South Africa | 2023 | Cricket South Africa | $12.5 Million |
| 4 | Big Bash League (BBL) | Australia | 2011 | Cricket Australia | $10 Million |
| 5 | The Hundred | England | 2021 | England & Wales Cricket Board | $9 Million |
| 6 | Major League Cricket (MLC) | USA | 2023 | American Cricket Enterprises | $6.9 Million |
| 7 | Pakistan Super League (PSL) | Pakistan | 2016 | Pakistan Cricket Board | $5.7 Million |
| 8 | Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) | Bangladesh | 2012 | Bangladesh Cricket Board | $4.8 Million |
| 9 | Caribbean Premier League (CPL) | West Indies | 2013 | Cricket West Indies | $4.6 Million |
| 10 | Women’s Premier League (WPL) | India | 2023 | BCCI | $3.8 Million |
1. Indian Premier League (IPL): India
At the top is the IPL, the undisputed king of cricket leagues. Furthermore, it has transformed world cricket economically and culturally since its inception in 2008.
With a projected brand valuation of $8.7 billion by 2025, the IPL is undoubtedly the world’s most successful sporting event, boasting major broadcast deals, celebrity team owners, and international partnerships. Teams like the Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore have millions of fans.
The 2025 season was even more historic as RCB finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy after 17 years of waiting!
Started: 2008
Administrator: BCCI
Annual Revenue: $8.7 Billion
2. Caribbean Premier League (CPL): West Indies
Launched in 2013, the CPL has brought a touch of Caribbean flavor and fun to world cricket. With its festive atmosphere and music-filled stadiums, the CPL is an integral part of the T20 calendar.
Stars like Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, and Nicholas Pooran captivate fans. Franchise relationships with IPL teams, such as KKR’s ownership of the Trinbago Knight Riders, have also contributed to its popularity.
Started: 2013
Administrator: Cricket West Indies
Annual Revenue: $4.6 Million
Teams: 6
3. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL): Bangladesh
Since its inaugural season in 2012, the Bangladesh Premier League has steadily grown. Providing a platform for local and international stars, it remains one of the most competitive leagues despite limited resources.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board organizes it with seven teams, and the winners receive prize money of approximately ₹6.19 crore. Star players like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal are regular highlights of the league.
Started: 2012
Administrator: Bangladesh Cricket Board
Annual Revenue: $4.8 Million
4. Pakistan Super League (PSL): Pakistan
The Pakistan Super League, launched in 2016, has emerged as Pakistan’s most successful domestic tournament. With fiercely competitive matches and strong spectator support, the PSL has been compared to the IPL over the years.
The league has produced several stars, including Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam, and Shadab Khan, who are now prominent figures in world cricket. Lahore Qalandars won the PSL 2025 title, making it one of the top-performing franchises.
Start: 2016
Administrator: Pakistan Cricket Board
Annual Revenue: $5.7 Million
5. Major League Cricket (MLC): USA
In 2023, Major League Cricket finally brought cricket to the United States, further expanding its reach. The sport, tailored for American audiences, has already attracted the attention of some major international superstars.
In addition, four of the six MLC teams, including MI New York, Texas Super Kings, LA Knight Riders, and Seattle Orcas, are backed by IPL franchises.
MLC could leap into the top five in the world with their growing interest among American fans.
Started: 2023
Administrator: American Cricket Enterprises
Annual Revenue: $6.9 Million
6. The Hundred: England
Launched in 2021, The Hundred brought some innovation to the game with its 100-ball format. Established by the England and Wales Cricket Board, the tournament aimed to make cricket shorter, faster, and more accessible.
The Hundred features both men’s and women’s competitions and city-based franchises, including the Oval Invincibles, Manchester Originals, and Northern Superchargers. Its innovative rules and entertainment value have so far generated good TV ratings in the UK.
Started: 2021
Administrator: ECB
Annual Revenue: $9 Million
7. Big Bash League (BBL): Australia
Since its inception in 2011, the BBL has been the pride of Australia. Run by Cricket Australia, the league features eight teams from major cities. With its family atmosphere, fireworks, and blockbuster hits, the BBL is one of the most-watched leagues worldwide.
With star players like David Warner and Rashid Khan, the BBL entertains millions on summer evenings.
Started: 2011
Administrator: Cricket Australia
Annual Revenue: $10 Million
8. SA20: South Africa
The SA20 was launched by CSA in 2023 and has grown in two years to become one of the most valuable leagues in the world. The presence of IPL franchises like MI Cape Town and Sunrisers Eastern Cape has made the league a huge success.
Led by Graeme Smith, the league focuses on developing young South African talent with global appeal. In the 2025 season, MI Cape Town lifted the trophy after a thrilling final.
Started: 2023
Administrator: Cricket South Africa
Annual Revenue: $12.5 Million
9. International League T20 (ILT20): UAE
The ILT20 is one of the world’s richest T20 leagues, hosted by the Emirates Cricket Board. Established in 2023, it has already attracted top-level international cricketers thanks to tax-free contracts and excellent facilities. This tournament, with a prize fund of $15 million, is held in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. It is also a rapidly growing tournament and popular with both players and sponsors.
Started: 2023
Administrator: Emirates Cricket Board
Annual Revenue: $15 Million
10. Women’s Premier League (WPL): India
The WPL (Women’s Premier League) is the newest and most inspiring entrant in the cricketing world. Set to begin in 2023, the tournament is modeled after the IPL but also provides recognition to women cricketers around the world.
Backed by the BCCI, the WPL has quickly become one of the most popular and widely sponsored brands. The Mumbai Indians women’s team, captained by Harmanpreet Kaur, has won two of the three seasons so far. With annual revenues of approximately $3.8 billion, it is the most successful women’s T20 league in the world.
Started: 2023
Administrator: BCCI
Prize Pool: ₹6 Crores
Top Team: Mumbai Indians Women
Read More: How Many Countries Play Cricket In The World (Top List)
Conclusion
While each league has its own unique appeal, the IPL will continue to dominate the cricketing world in 2025, and it’s only getting more exciting by the day. With new and exciting leagues like SA20, ILT20, and MLC, the world of T20 cricket is set to get even bigger, brighter, and more exciting.
