Top 5 Most Popular T20 Cricket Leagues in the World

T20 cricket has grown to become one of the most exciting and popular formats of the game. With short, intense matches, it has attracted millions of fans worldwide. Among the many T20 leagues, a few stand out for their global reach, star power, and impressive brand value. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 most popular T20 cricket leagues in the world, highlighting their brand value, viewership, and what makes them so special.

5. Pakistan Super League (PSL)

• Brand Value: US $240 million
• Viewership: 57.6 million

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) started in 2016 and quickly gained popularity despite the challenges of hosting the league outside of Pakistan in its early years. Over the past six seasons, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has done an excellent job of organizing the league, and now the matches are regularly held in Pakistan.

One of the major strengths of PSL is the participation of top local and international players. The league is known for its strong bowling talent, and many experts consider it one of the best leagues for discovering future bowling stars. In 2020, the brand value of the PSL was estimated at US $240 million, and its viewership reached 57.6 million during the fifth season. PSL has successfully built a loyal fan base, both locally and internationally.

4. Caribbean Premier League (CPL)

• Brand Value: US $371 million
• Viewership: 523.5 million

The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a reflection of the rich cricketing culture of the West Indies. The West Indies have won two T20 World Cups, making them one of the most successful T20 teams globally. The CPL has produced several talented players, including Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, and Brandon King, who now shine in other international leagues as well.

In recent years, the CPL has seen remarkable growth in terms of viewership and brand value. In 2020, the CPL’s brand value increased to US $371 million, and its viewership on television and digital platforms skyrocketed, reaching an incredible 523.5 million. This significant rise shows how the league continues to captivate fans around the world with its unique flair and talent.

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3. T20 Blast

• Brand Value: US $450 million
• Attendance: 950,000

T20 Blast, based in England and Wales, is the oldest T20 competition, having started in 2003. Back then, the concept of T20 cricket was relatively new, but the T20 Blast became an immediate hit. What makes this league unique is the large number of teams—18 in total—which adds diversity and excitement to the competition.

In recent years, T20 Blast has attracted large crowds, with a cumulative attendance of 950,000 people during its last season. The brand value of the league was calculated at US $450 million, making it one of the richest T20 leagues in the world. The league also enjoys a strong social media following, with 1.444 million followers. Though no official viewership numbers have been made public, the league remains a favorite among cricket fans.

2. Big Bash League (BBL)

• Brand Value: AUD 30 million
• Viewership: 41.17 million

The Big Bash League (BBL), organized by Cricket Australia, was established in 2011 and has since become one of the most popular T20 leagues globally. The BBL was also the first league to launch a women’s T20 competition, the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), further enhancing its appeal.

However, one major challenge faced by the BBL is its scheduling, which often clashes with Australia’s international matches. As a result, many of Australia’s top stars, like Steve Smith and David Warner, are unable to participate. Despite this, the league continues to attract fans, and its brand value is currently estimated at AUD 30 million. In 2020, BBL reached a new high in viewership, with 41.17 million people tuning in.

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1. Indian Premier League (IPL)

• Brand Value: US $6.1 billion
• Viewership: 405 million (in India alone)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is, without a doubt, the biggest and most popular T20 cricket league in the world. Launched in 2008, the IPL revolutionized the way cricket is played and viewed. The league has featured the best players from around the world, including Indian superstars like Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma. What sets IPL apart is that no international matches are scheduled during its season, allowing players from all over the world to participate.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, IPL shattered viewership records in 2020. According to BARC data, out of a total television universe of 836 million, 405 million people watched the league, making it one of the most-watched sporting events globally. The brand value of IPL is estimated at a whopping US $6.1 billion. The league also contributes significantly to India’s economy, adding ₹11.5 billion to the nation’s GDP in 2015.

Table of Most Popular T20 Cricket Leagues in the World