Ever wondered which cricket league brings in the biggest bucks? From packed stadiums and massive TV audiences to celebrity owners and billion-dollar sponsors, some cricket leagues are financial giants. The global cricket industry is exploding with cash, and it’s time we rank the leagues making the most of it. Here’s a look at the top richest cricket leagues that are changing the game on and off the field.
The World’s Wealthiest Cricket Leagues Ranked by Revenue
Over the past two decades, franchise-based T20 leagues have reshaped the cricketing landscape. What started as a new format to attract younger audiences has turned into a global business model. These leagues blend sports with entertainment, offering fast-paced action, glitzy opening ceremonies, celebrity team owners, and massive brand endorsements—all while keeping millions of fans hooked.
1. Indian Premier League (IPL) – India
The IPL has truly globalized the game. As the richest among the Top Richest Cricket Leagues, it draws players from all over the world—from legends like AB de Villiers and MS Dhoni to young rising stars. The league has helped elevate T20 cricket to new commercial heights and inspired other nations to launch their own franchise models. Its impact goes far beyond India, influencing team ownership structures, player auctions, and even league strategies around the world.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2008 |
| Reach | Broadcast in 120+ countries (Star Sports, JioCinema, Sky Sports, Willow TV) |
| Key Sponsors | Tata, Dream11, CEAT, Paytm, RuPay |
| Top Local Stars | Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni |
| Top Overseas Players | David Warner, Jos Buttler, Faf du Plessis |
2. International League T20 (ILT20) – UAE
ILT20 doesn’t have a long history—but what it lacks in age, it makes up for in ambition. With just a couple of seasons under its belt, it’s already attracting huge sponsors, major broadcasters, and world-class players. It’s fast-paced, fiercely competitive, and clearly modeled after the most successful leagues in the world.
There’s no doubt it has more to prove—but if it keeps going at this pace, ILT20 might just become the go-to option for players and fans between IPL seasons.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2023 |
| Reach | Broadcast across UAE (Zee Network), India, UK, Middle East |
| Key Sponsors | DP World, ZEE, Abu Dhabi Sports Council |
| Top Local Stars | Muhammad Waseem, Zahoor Khan, Rohan Mustafa |
| Top Overseas Players | Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Alex Hales |
3. SA20 – South Africa
SA20 is South Africa’s answer to the modern T20 revolution—and they didn’t come to play it safe. Every franchise in the league is owned by an IPL team, which instantly gave SA20 a solid foundation to build on. The result? Slick branding, smart player signings, and a league that feels a lot more established than it actually is.
From Cape Town to Johannesburg, the stadiums are loud, colorful, and full of energy. It’s not just the cricket that’s exciting—it’s the vibe, the crowd, and the sense that South African cricket finally has a global-ready product again.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2023 |
| Reach | Broadcast across South Africa (SuperSport), India (Viacom18), UK |
| Key Sponsors | Betway, SuperSport, SunBet |
| Top Local Stars | Aiden Markram, Anrich Nortje, Heinrich Klaasen |
| Top Overseas Players | Jos Buttler, Eoin Morgan, Rashid Khan |
4. BIG DASH LEAGUE(BBL)
Before ILT20, SA20, or The Hundred, there was BBL. It was one of the first leagues to seriously follow the IPL model—and it worked. With franchises representing major cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, and Hobart, the BBL helped shape the format that other leagues now copy: flashy intros, mic’d-up players, high-definition broadcasts, and family-first ticket pricing.
It also proved that cricket doesn’t have to be traditional to be loved. Its commercial success has made it a consistent name among the Top Richest Cricket Leagues, even as newer competitors emerge.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2011 |
| Reach | Broadcast across Australia (Seven Network, Fox Sports), India, UK |
| Key Sponsors | KFC, Weet-Bix, Toyota |
| Top Local Stars | Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Adam Zampa |
| Top Overseas Players | Alex Hales, Rashid Khan, James Vince |
5. The Hundred – England & Wales
The Hundred isn’t your traditional cricket league—and that’s exactly the point. Introduced in 2021, the format shortens the game to just 100 balls per innings, speeds things up, and makes it easier to follow, especially for casual fans. Sure, it raised eyebrows at first, but it didn’t take long for the league to build its own fanbase.
Backed by the ECB and shown live on both BBC and Sky Sports, The Hundred has pulled in millions of viewers each season. Combine that with strong merchandise sales, energetic marketing, and a push for gender equality by giving equal exposure to men’s and women’s teams, and you’ve got something unique in the cricket world.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2021 |
| Reach | Broadcast on BBC and Sky Sports (UK), and globally |
| Key Sponsors | Cazoo, KP Snacks, BBC Sport |
| Top Local Stars | Jos Buttler, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Moeen Ali |
| Top Overseas Players | Rashid Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Smriti Mandhana |
6. Major League Cricket (MLC) – United States
One of the most exciting things about MLC is its player lineup. You’ve got stars like Trent Boult, Quinton de Kock, and Sunil Narine lining up in U.S. jerseys—not because they had to, but because they wanted to. The contracts are solid, the crowds are growing, and the facilities? Surprisingly good for a first season.
Games at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas were packed with fans waving flags from India, Pakistan, the Caribbean, and beyond. That mix of cultures makes MLC feel like a global cricket celebration, just relocated to the land of hot dogs and tailgate parties.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2023 |
| Reach | Broadcast across USA (Willow TV, CBS Sports), India, and globally |
| Key Sponsors | Cognizant, Betway, Royal® Rice |
| Top Local Stars | Harmeet Singh, Andries Gous, Corey Anderson |
| Top Overseas Players | Nicholas Pooran, Faf du Plessis, Rashid Khan |
7. Pakistan Super League (PSL)
The first few seasons of the PSL were played in the UAE due to security concerns. But in recent years, the league has made a full return to Pakistan—and it’s been a game-changer. Packed stadiums in Karachi, Lahore, and Multan have created an atmosphere that rivals any cricket venue in the world.
For fans, watching cricket under the lights in Pakistan after so many years has been emotional. And for the players, there’s nothing like performing in front of a home crowd again.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2016 |
| Reach | Broadcast across Pakistan, India, Middle East, UK |
| Key Sponsors | HBL, Jazz, Pepsi |
| Top Local Stars | Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan |
| Top Overseas Players | Alex Hales, Rilee Rossouw, Imran Tahir |
8. Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) – Bangladesh
Unlike some of the flashier leagues, BPL operates with a modest budget. But here’s the thing—it gets results. Franchise owners, sponsors, and broadcasters all understand the value of a league that delivers consistent viewership, strong engagement, and a deep connection with local fans.
BPL’s commercial model may be lean, but it works. It’s the league’s ability to maximize every dollar spent that has helped it maintain a spot on the list of the Top Richest Cricket Leagues, especially in South Asia’s cricket-crazy market.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2012 |
| Reach | Broadcast across Bangladesh, India, Middle East |
| Key Sponsors | Minister Group, Evaly, Daraz |
| Top Local Stars | Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal |
| Top Overseas Players | Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Thisara Perera |
9. Caribbean Premier League (CPL) – West Indies
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2013 |
| Reach | Broadcast across India, UK, USA, and the Caribbean |
| Key Sponsors | Hero MotoCorp, Republic Bank, Digicel |
| Top Local Stars | Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Sunil Narine |
| Top Overseas Players | Faf du Plessis, David Miller, Imran Tahir |
Ask players why they love CPL, and you’ll get the same answer: it’s just pure joy. The pitches are fast, the crowds are fun, and the pressure is real. It’s no surprise that top cricketers from across the world make room in their schedules for the Caribbean summer.
Franchises like Trinbago Knight Riders, Guyana Amazon Warriors, and St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots have become recognizable names. Their growing fanbases and smart commercial moves keep pushing CPL’s stock higher in the rankings of the Top Richest Cricket Leagues.
10. Lanka Premier League (LPL) – Sri Lanka
The LPL might’ve started off quietly, but it’s picking up serious momentum. Franchise values are growing. Sponsorship money is flowing in. Players are showing up with fire. And every season, more broadcasters are picking up rights across Asia, the UK, and the Gulf.
No, it’s not IPL or PSL money yet—but the trajectory is real. Among the Top Richest Cricket Leagues, the LPL is one of the fastest-moving dark horses out there.
| Point | Details |
| Established | 2020 |
| Reach | Broadcast across Asia, Middle East, and parts of Europe |
| Key Sponsors | Wolf777 News, Daraz, My11Circle |
| Top Local Stars | Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Matheesha Pathirana |
| Top Overseas Players | Chris Gayle, Carlos Brathwaite, Mujeeb Ur Rahman |
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it—cricket’s biggest money-makers, ranked and revealed. Whether you’re cheering from the stands or streaming on your phone, these leagues are changing the game in more ways than one. With more fans, bigger deals, and higher stakes every season, the business of cricket is booming. And honestly? It’s never been more exciting to watch.
Q1. Which is the richest cricket league in the world?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) holds that title without question. It has the biggest TV deals, the highest player salaries, and franchise values that run into billions. No other league even comes close—IPL is in a league of its own
Q2. How do we know which cricket leagues are the richest?
It’s usually based on how much money the league makes—from things like broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, merchandise, and the value of its teams. The more fans and brands a league attracts, the richer it gets.
Q3. Is the Pakistan Super League (PSL) more valuable than the Caribbean Premier League (CPL)?
Yes, the PSL is considered more valuable. It has bigger TV viewership, stronger sponsorships, and more international attention compared to the CPL, even though both deliver exciting cricket.
Q4. Are newer leagues like MLC and ILT20 really making money?
Not yet—but they’re on the right path. Both MLC (in the USA) and ILT20 (in the UAE) have strong backers and good international reach. They’re investing big now to build something big in the future.
Q5. Why are T20 leagues making more money than traditional formats?
Simple—T20 cricket is fast, flashy, and fun to watch. It fits into an evening, draws in young fans, and is perfect for TV. That’s why brands love it and why it brings in the most money.
Q6. Which leagues do the biggest international stars prefer?
The IPL is still the top destination for most international players. After that, the BBL, PSL, and now even ILT20 and SA20 are becoming popular choices because of solid pay, top competition, and global exposure.
Q7. Can smaller leagues like the LPL or BPL ever catch up to the IPL or BBL?
They might not match the IPL, but they’re carving out their own space. Leagues like LPL (Sri Lanka) and BPL (Bangladesh) have passionate fanbases and rising talent. With the right s
