Domestic T20 Leagues Around the World: A Guide to Cricket’s Franchise Scene
A guide to the major domestic T20 leagues, from the IPL and Big Bash to the PSL, CPL, SA20 and The Hundred, with their launch years and how they work.
Twenty20 cricket has produced a global network of domestic leagues. Many follow a similar template: teams based in cities or regions, a short season, a mix of local and overseas players and a final to decide the champion. Details differ from league to league, and teams, owners and rules are frequently revised, so this guide focuses on the long-standing features of each competition rather than current-season details.
Indian Premier League (IPL)
The IPL began in 2008 and is widely regarded as the most commercially significant T20 league in the world. It is run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India and is built on franchise teams who acquire players through auctions. Its success changed how cricket is financed and has influenced almost every other league that followed.
Big Bash League (BBL)
Australia’s Big Bash League started in the 2011–12 season, replacing the earlier state-based Twenty20 competition. It is played over the Australian summer, with teams from major cities, and is known for family-friendly scheduling and strong crowds. A women’s competition, the Women’s Big Bash League, began in 2015–16.
Pakistan Super League (PSL)
The PSL was launched in 2016 and features franchise teams named after Pakistani cities. In its early years, some matches were staged in the United Arab Emirates, and in later seasons the competition has been held in Pakistan.
Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
The CPL started in 2013 and is played across several islands in the West Indies. Its schedule, atmosphere and mix of regional and global stars have made it a fixture of the Caribbean cricket calendar.
Bangladesh Premier League and Lanka Premier League
The Bangladesh Premier League began in 2012, while the Lanka Premier League launched in 2020. Both are important competitions in their countries, giving local players the chance to share dressing rooms with international stars.
Newer leagues
Several leagues were established in the early 2020s. The SA20 in South Africa and the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates both began in 2023, as did Major League Cricket in the United States. Each has attracted overseas investment and players from established leagues, reflecting the growing interest in franchise cricket in new markets.
England: T20 Blast and The Hundred
England’s long-running domestic T20 competition, now known as the T20 Blast, dates back to 2003 and is played between the first-class counties. In 2021, the England and Wales Cricket Board launched The Hundred, a city-based competition with men’s and women’s teams played under a 100-ball format.
How the leagues differ from international cricket
- Players are contracted by franchises and often move between leagues in the same year.
- Squads include overseas players, but each league sets its own limits on how many can play in a match.
- Schedules sometimes clash with international fixtures, which has led to debates about player availability.
- Teams use auctions, drafts or direct signings, depending on the league’s rules.
Why the leagues matter
Domestic T20 leagues are now a major part of a professional cricketer’s career, and for some players, they are the main source of income. They also give younger players exposure to high-pressure matches against international opposition. At the same time, the growth of leagues has raised questions about how to balance them with Test, one-day and national-team cricket.
Frequently asked questions
Which was the first major franchise T20 league?
The Indian Premier League, launched in 2008, is generally regarded as the first major franchise T20 league and the model for many others.
What is The Hundred?
The Hundred is a city-based competition launched by the ECB in 2021, in which each side faces 100 balls, with men’s and women’s teams.
Can players play in several leagues?
Yes. Many players take part in more than one league in a year, subject to their contracts, national-board permission and the dates of each competition.