Cricket has grown into one of the most popular sports worldwide. The fast-paced T20 format has changed the way fans enjoy the game. Over the years, several Biggest Cricket Leagues have emerged across countries, giving players international exposure, experience, and huge earnings.
Table of Contents
List of 10 Biggest Cricket Leagues in the World
10. Women’s Premier League (WPL) | India
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is India’s first professional women’s cricket league, launched by the BCCI in 2023. The WPL is one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues for women, bringing top talent from around the world. Its format is similar to the IPL, and the league aims to promote women’s cricket globally.
Top players like Harmanpreet Kaur lead teams such as Mumbai Indians Women, who have been the most successful side. The total prize money is around INR 6 crores, showing how quickly the WPL has gained importance among Biggest Cricket Leagues.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2023 |
| Administrator | Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) |
| Annual Revenue | $3.8 million |
| Top Team | Mumbai Indians Women |
| Prize Money (Winners) | INR 6 crores |
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9. Caribbean Premier League (CPL) | West Indies
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) began in 2013 under the West Indies Cricket Board. The CPL is one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues, known for its vibrant Caribbean culture, music, and fan enthusiasm.
Star players such as Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, and Nicholas Pooran have played in the CPL. In 2024, the champions earned around INR 8.4 crores. Some CPL teams are affiliated with IPL franchises, like Trinbago Knight Riders with Kolkata Knight Riders. This league has become a major entertainment platform, combining cricket and Caribbean energy.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2013 |
| Administrator | Cricket West Indies |
| Annual Revenue | $4.6 million |
| Prize Money (Winners) | INR 8.4 crores |
| Notable Players | Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran |
8. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) | Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) started in 2012 and is one of Asia’s oldest T20 competitions after the IPL. The BPL is among the Biggest Cricket Leagues in South Asia, providing a platform for local and international players.
The league has helped nurture Bangladesh’s young cricket talent. The winning team earns around INR 6.19 crores, making it more lucrative than the PSL in prize money. The league has six teams and continues to grow in popularity with each season.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2012 |
| Administrator | Bangladesh Cricket Board |
| Annual Revenue | $4.8 million |
| Prize Money (Winners) | INR 6.19 crores |
| Total Teams | 6 |
7. Pakistan Super League (PSL) | Pakistan
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) was established in 2016 by the PCB. It is one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues in Asia, offering Pakistani players a chance to compete with international stars.
The PSL features six teams, including Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, and Peshawar Zalmi. In 2025, Lahore Qalandars won the season. The winners received ₹4.13 crores, and the league continues to attract fans worldwide, making it Pakistan’s most-watched sporting event.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2016 |
| Administrator | Pakistan Cricket Board |
| Annual Revenue | $5.7 million |
| Prize Money (Winners) | ₹4.13 crores |
| Champion (2025) | Lahore Qalandars |
6. Major League Cricket (MLC) | USA
The Major League Cricket (MLC) was launched in 2023, marking the USA’s entry into professional cricket. It is among the Biggest Cricket Leagues outside Asia, aiming to popularize cricket in a country dominated by baseball and basketball.
MLC includes six teams, some linked to IPL franchises like MI New York and Texas Super Kings. Despite being a short three-week tournament, it provides thrilling cricket action. Growing viewership has made MLC an important platform for North American cricket.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2023 |
| Administrator | USA Cricket / American Cricket Enterprises |
| Annual Revenue | $6.9 million |
| Total Teams | 6 |
| IPL-Linked Teams | MI New York, Texas Super Kings, LA Knight Riders, Seattle Orcas |
5. The Hundred | England
The Hundred is a unique league started by the ECB in 2021. Unlike traditional T20s, each team plays 100 balls. This makes it faster and unpredictable. It is one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues in Europe.
The tournament has eight men’s and eight women’s teams. Players like Jos Buttler and Meg Lanning have made it popular globally. Teams such as Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals have IPL connections. The Hundred has introduced a fresh cricketing concept, with exciting finishes and high fan engagement.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2021 |
| Administrator | England and Wales Cricket Board |
| Annual Revenue | $9 million |
| Total Teams | 8 (Men’s and Women’s) |
| Format | 100-ball cricket |
4. Big Bash League (BBL) | Australia
The Big Bash League (BBL) started in 2011 and is run by Cricket Australia. It is one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring eight city-based teams like Sydney Sixers, Perth Scorchers, and Melbourne Stars.
The BBL uses a double round-robin format with knockout finals. It attracts huge stadium crowds and families, making it a top choice for entertainment. With an annual value of $10 million, the BBL is recognized globally for high-quality matches and fan engagement.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2011 |
| Administrator | Cricket Australia |
| Annual Revenue | $10 million |
| Teams | 8 |
| Format | Double Round-Robin & Knockouts |
3. SA20 | South Africa
SA20 was launched in 2023 by Cricket South Africa (CSA). In just two years, it has become one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues, providing opportunities for young players and revitalizing South African cricket.
Six teams participate, with IPL links such as MI Cape Town (Mumbai Indians) and Sunrisers Eastern Cape. MI Cape Town won the 2025 season. The league’s annual value of $12.5 million makes it one of the top cricket competitions globally.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2023 |
| Administrator | Cricket South Africa |
| Annual Revenue | $12.5 million |
| Teams | 6 |
| Top Team (2025) | MI Cape Town |
2. International League T20 (ILT20) | UAE
The International League T20 (ILT20) started in 2023 and quickly became one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues in the world. It is financially strong, attracts world-class players, and is played in state-of-the-art stadiums across UAE.
ILT20 is valued at $15 million and offers top-class facilities to players. With global attention and international stars, the league is set to grow even further in the coming years.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2023 |
| Administrator | Emirates Cricket Board |
| Annual Revenue | $15 million |
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Duration | One Month |
1. Indian Premier League (IPL) | India
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest cricket league globally. Launched in 2008 by BCCI, it transformed cricket with high-quality matches, star players, and massive financial success.
IPL features players from around the world, except Pakistan. The winner’s prize is INR 20 crores. Franchises like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings dominate historically. In 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore won their first IPL title. With a valuation of $8.7 billion, IPL is unmatched among Biggest Cricket Leagues globally.
| Category | Details |
| Started | 2008 |
| Administrator | Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) |
| Annual Revenue | $8.7 billion |
| Prize Money (Winners) | INR 20 crores |
| Top Teams | Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, RC |
FAQs
1. What are the Biggest Cricket Leagues in the world?
The Biggest Cricket Leagues are professional cricket tournaments played in different countries, mostly in T20 format. Some top leagues include the IPL (India), ILT20 (UAE), SA20 (South Africa), and BBL (Australia). These leagues attract global players and large fan followings.
2. How is a league considered one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues?
A league becomes one of the Biggest Cricket Leagues based on several factors: ICC recognition, brand value, prize money, international player participation, global viewership, and fan engagement in stadiums and online.
3. Which league is currently the largest among all Biggest Cricket Leagues?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is currently the largest of all Biggest Cricket Leagues. It has a valuation of $8.7 billion, high global viewership, and attracts players from around the world. The winning team earns INR 20 crores.
4. Are women’s cricket leagues included in the list of Biggest Cricket Leagues?
Yes, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India is one of the fastest-growing Biggest Cricket Leagues for women. It was launched in 2023 and has helped promote women’s cricket with international players participating.