The Indian Premier League (IPL), hosted in India, and the Big Bash League (BBL), played in Australia, are two of the most popular T20 cricket leagues in the world.
While both bring excitement, talent, and entertainment to the field, the IPL stands out with its massive international audience, record-breaking sponsorship deals, and sky-high TV ratings.
On the other hand, the BBL has carved a niche with its strong domestic fanbase and unique Aussie flair.
In this blog, we’ll compare IPL and BBL across various factors like viewership, player salaries, fan engagement, and more to see which league truly rules the T20 world.
IPL vs BBL: A Head-to-Head Battle
Here’s a complete comparison of IPL and BBL, including formats, prize money, and more:
1. The Establishment
IPL:
The Indian Premier League (IPL) was founded by the BCCI in 2007 and started its first season in 2008. It features ten franchise teams, each representing a major Indian city. Held between March and May.
BBL:
The Big Bash League (BBL), officially known as the KFC Big Bash League, was introduced by Cricket Australia in 2011. The BBL has eight franchise teams based in eight different Australian cities, just like the IPL. In Australia, BBL games are often played in December, January, and February throughout the summer.
2. Formats Of IPL And BBL
The Indian Premier League features ten teams representing major Indian cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Mohali, Jaipur, and Chennai.
Each team plays the other twice in a double round-robin format, once at home and once away, for 56 league matches.
After the league stage:
- Qualifier 1: Played between the top two teams. The winner goes straight to the final.
- Eliminator: Played between the 3rd and 4th teams.
- Qualifier 2: Played between the loser of Qualifier 1 and the winner of the Eliminator.
- The winner of Qualifier 2 meets the winner of Qualifier 1 in the IPL Final.
In total, the tournament consists of 74 matches, including the 4 playoff games that decide the champion.
The Big Bash League (BBL) follows a double round-robin format, where eight teams compete in home-and-away matches during the regular season. The top four teams advance to the playoffs, which include stages like the Qualifier, Knockout, Challenger, and Final.
3. Number Of Seasons
A total of 17 IPL seasons have been played so far. The 18th season started on March 22, 2025, and will run until May 25, 2025.
A total of 14 BBL seasons have been played. The 15th season started on 15 Dec 2024 and will be played until 27 Jan.
4. Number of Teams
Here’s the list of teams in both leagues:
IPL (10 Teams):
- Chennai Super Kings
- Delhi Capitals
- Gujarat Titans
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Lucknow Super Giants
- Mumbai Indians
- Punjab Kings
- Rajasthan Royals
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
BBL (8 Teams):
- Adelaide Strikers
- Brisbane Heat
- Hobart Hurricanes
- Melbourne Renegades
- Melbourne Stars
- Perth Scorchers
- Sydney Sixers
- Sydney Thunder
5. IPL and BBL Prize Money & Rules
The IPL’s total prize money typically varies from year to year. But since 2018, the winning team has often received INR 20 crore in prize money, while the runners-up receive INR 12.5 crore. For making it to the playoffs, the third and fourth-place clubs each receive INR 8.75 crore.
In the 2024–25 Big Bash League (BBL) season, the prize money was structured as follows:
- Champions (Hobart Hurricanes): AUD 450,000 (approximately INR 2.75 crore)
- Runners-up (Sydney Thunder): AUD 260,000 (approximately INR 1.37 crore)
- Each Losing Semi-Finalist: AUD 80,000 (approximately INR 55 lakh)
- Fifth-Placed Team: AUD 20,000 (approximately INR 16.5 lakh)
6. IPL vs BBL Franchise Strength
When comparing the franchise strength of the two major cricket leagues, the IPL boasts strong teams, making the competition consistently intense and thrilling.
Over the last five years, three different franchises have clinched the coveted trophy, showcasing the league’s balanced competition and the presence of talented players capable of leading their teams to victory.
In the BBL, the level of competition is equally impressive. Four different franchises have emerged as champions in the past five seasons, highlighting the league’s competitiveness.
Most of the final matches are closely contested, providing fans with edge-of-the-seat excitement throughout the games.
7. IPL vs BBL Team Composition
The IPL brings together top cricketers from around the world, creating an exciting celebration of the sport. Each team must have 18 to 25 players, with a maximum of 8 overseas players in the squad.
However, only 4 overseas players are allowed in the playing XI for any match. Teams are not allowed to pick Under-19 players unless they’ve already played first-class or List-A cricket. Also, the total squad salary must not exceed INR 850 million.
In the BBL, each team can have up to 19 contracted players in a season, which must include 2 rookies and 6 overseas players. Out of these, only 3 overseas players can be part of the playing XI in any match.
Teams are also allowed to include up to 2 overseas replacements in case an overseas player gets injured or pulls out during the season.
IPL vs BBL: Which is The Best T20 Cricket League?
The IPL is often seen as the top T20 league globally because of its massive fan base, star-studded line-ups, and huge financial backing. It attracts top talent from all over the world and offers unmatched entertainment.
The BBL, on the other hand, is known for its family-friendly vibe, exciting innovations, and strong local support in Australia. While both leagues have their strengths, the IPL edges ahead in terms of popularity, viewership, and global impact.
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Conclusion: IPL Is A More Popular T20 Cricket League Than BBL
While both the IPL and BBL have their unique charm, they serve different purposes. The BBL acts as a strong development platform for Australian talent, helping young players gain valuable T20 experience.
In contrast, the IPL is a global game-changer, offering a stage for both Indian and international stars to shine.
With higher salaries, intense competition, and star-studded line-ups, the IPL stands out as the premier T20 league, while the BBL remains a vital talent for Australia.
