Indian Premier League
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, organised by the BCCI. Founded in 2007 and first played in 2008, it features city-based franchise teams and is held annually from March to May.
What it is
The IPL is a men's professional Twenty20 cricket competition with city-based franchise teams. It was founded by the BCCI in 2007 and launched in 2008. The league currently has 10 teams and uses a double round-robin group stage followed by knockout playoffs.
Why it matters
The IPL is widely regarded as the richest and most commercially successful cricket league in the world. It is one of the most viewed sports events in India. Canadian cricket fans follow the IPL due to North American-friendly viewing times, and it features international players who also appear in Canadian cricket coverage.
Key details
The IPL season typically runs from March to May. The 2026 champions are Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who defeated Gujarat Titans in the final. The league includes 10 franchise teams representing Indian cities or regions.
In short
- The IPL is a professional T20 cricket league in India with city-based franchises.
- It was founded in 2007 and first played in 2008.
- The league currently has 10 teams and is held annually from March to May.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the 2026 champions.
The IPL is followed by Canadian cricket fans, especially during its North American-friendly viewing times, and it includes international players who may also appear in Canadian cricket coverage or leagues.
Quick questions
What does IPL stand for?
When was the IPL founded?
Who are the current champions?
Sources
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Premier_LeagueSupports: Founding year, organiser, format, number of teams, season period, and 2026 champions.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Premier-LeagueSupports: IPL establishment in 2008 and double round-robin plus knockout format.
- ESPN — https://www.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/22582834/indian-premier-leagueSupports: Franchise-based Twenty20 competition organised by BCCI and first season in 2008.
- Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/sports/Indian-Premier-League-RecordsSupports: 2026 edition size and number of teams in the league.
- Statista — https://www.statista.com/topics/4543/indian-premier-league-ipl/Supports: General description of the IPL as a major Twenty20 cricket league organized by the BCCI.