Indian Premier League (IPL): Crown Jewel of Indian Cricket

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has transformed the Indian game of cricket into an international sporting powerhouse. Ever since it appeared in 2008, the IPL has become more than a tournament with its blockbuster franchise format and billion-dollar television rights. It’s become a global phenomenon that’s beloved by fans across the globe.

In this article, you’ll be introduced to the way the league operates and how it has managed to grow into such spectacular proportions, along with the exciting end of the IPL 2025 season.

Understanding the Indian Premier League Format and History

BCCI conceived IPL to breathe new life and commercial vigor into cricket – one of India’s most popular and beloved sports. Its first season started off with eight franchises (or teams), which represented major cities in the country. If the English has their Premier League (football), the Indians have their own, but for cricket. Overall, the IPL’s garnered some global attention – with celebrities, corporations, and fans enjoying the action of this fast-paced T20 format.

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Match Format and Points System

Since 2022 with its 10 teams, the Indian Premier League began using a split-group round-robin format. Teams will play 14 matches each, usually twice against five opponents and once against the final four. The point system for this format is as follows:

• Win: 2 points
• Tie/No result: 1 point
• Loss: 0 points

In the IPL playoffs, only four teams will emerge victorious to have a shot at the Finals. The first Qualifier battles the top two for one direct final slot in the Finals. Whereas in the Eliminator and second Qualifier, that’s where the league determines the other finalist.

IPL Teams (Founding, Additional, and Rebranded)

The heart of the Indian Premier League lies on its iconic teams; all besides its financial success, of course. Each team comes with their unique histories and beloved fans. There is often a huge change every now and then with rebrands and additions. Below, you will find all the franchises that’s competed in IPL since 2008:

Founding Franchises (2008)

• Mumbai Indians
• Chennai Super Kings
• Royal Challengers Bangalore (renamed Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024)
• Delhi Daredevils (renamed Delhi Capitals in 2019)
• Kings XI Punjab (rebranded as Punjab Kings in 2021)
• Kolkata Knight Riders
• Rajasthan Royals
• Deccan Chargers (contract terminated in 2012)

Additional and Rebranded Teams

• Sunrisers Hyderabad – Replaced Deccan Chargers from 2013 onwards.
• Pune Warriors India – Participated from 2011 to 2013 before withdrawing.
• Kochi Tuskers Kerala – Played only in the 2011 season before BCCI terminated the franchise.
• Rising Pune Supergiant – Temporary team during 2016-2017 when CSK and RR were suspended.
• Gujarat Lions – Another temporary team during 2016-2017 season.
• Gujarat Titans – Joined IPL in 2022 as a permanent expansion team.
• Lucknow Super Giants – Also added in 2022.

In the IPL 2025 season, 10 teams battled out for the cup: 

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
3. Gujarat Titans (GT)
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
6. Mumbai Indians (MI)
7. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
8. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

These teams (or franchises, as they like to call it) are the pillars of the Indian Premier League. It’s filled with star-studded rosters, powerful captains, and carries regional pride where they represent. Each franchise continues to add to the IPL’s amazing energy and sport entertainment.

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The Business Boom of the Indian Premier League

The Indian Premier League made a move from a franchise auction a decade ago which was valued at $723 million. And in 2023, their media rights sale was worth $6 billion, which makes the IPL one of the most valuable sports properties in the world.

• The valuation of the team increased to more than $1 billion between 2009 and 2022.
• Its rights to media were sold to Viacom18 and Star India – owned by Disney – at a record price.
• Recently, in 2023, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) for cricket debuted based on the success of the IPL.
• Even the U.S.-based Major League Cricket, an international venture, has connections with the IPL.

IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Finally Triumph

After several years of heartbreaking losses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first ever Indian Premier League championship in 2025. They have beaten Punjab Kings then in a shattering final held at the Narendra Modi stadium.

Match Highlights

• Virat Kohli was the top scorer for Bengaluru (43 off 35 balls) and the team scored 190/9.
• Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson of Punjab had three wickets apiece.
• Punjab came up miles short at 184/7 off the bat with an unbeaten 61 by Shashank Singh.
• The match was reversed by the tight spell of Krunal Pandya (2-17) from RCB.
• Virat Kohli placed at third place in the list of players with runs in the IPL 2025 season where he played 16 matches and scored 700 runs.

Final Thoughts

The Indian Premier League is raising the gold standards of cricket leagues globally. It has reached new heights of deals, competitive matches, and influence around the globe, including 12BET Cricket as platforms that drive fan engagement. With IPL 2026 a year away, the league continues to be an exciting confluence of sports, entertainment, and commerce that we can call a true celebration of the game of cricket in India.