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Indian Premier League

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Founded in 2007 and first played in 2008, it features city-based franchise teams and is held annually, usually between March and May.

History

The IPL was founded in 2007 by the BCCI and began play in 2008. It quickly became one of the most commercially successful cricket leagues in the world.

Format

The league is a Twenty20 competition featuring city-based franchise teams. Britannica describes the competition as using a double round-robin group stage followed by knockout matches.

Teams and season structure

The IPL currently includes 10 teams representing Indian cities or regions. Recent editions have involved a 74-match format with league-stage and playoff matches.

Commercial significance

The IPL is widely regarded as the richest and most commercially successful cricket league. It is also reported as one of the most viewed sports events in India.

Key facts

  • The IPL is a men's professional Twenty20 cricket league in India, organised by the BCCI.
  • It began in 2008 after being founded in 2007 and currently features 10 city-based franchise teams.
  • The league is played annually from March to May, using a double round-robin and knockout format.
  • Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the 2026 champions, having defeated Gujarat Titans in the final.
  • The IPL is considered the richest and most commercially successful cricket league, and one of the most viewed sports events in India.
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Canadian context

The IPL is followed by Canadian cricket fans, especially during its North American-friendly viewing times, and it includes international players who may also appear in Canadian cricket coverage or leagues.

Frequently asked questions

What does IPL stand for?
IPL stands for the Indian Premier League.
When was the IPL founded?
The league was founded in 2007 and first played in 2008.
Who organises the IPL?
The IPL is organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
How many teams are in the IPL?
The IPL currently has 10 franchise teams.
When is the IPL usually held?
It is usually held annually between March and May.
Who are the current champions?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the 2026 champions after defeating Gujarat Titans in the final.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Premier_League
    Supports: Founding year, organiser, format, number of teams, season period, and 2026 champions.
  2. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Premier-League
    Supports: IPL establishment in 2008 and double round-robin plus knockout format.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/22582834/indian-premier-league
    Supports: Franchise-based Twenty20 competition organised by BCCI and first season in 2008.
  4. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/sports/Indian-Premier-League-Records
    Supports: 2026 edition size and number of teams in the league.
  5. Statista — https://www.statista.com/topics/4543/indian-premier-league-ipl/
    Supports: General description of the IPL as a major Twenty20 cricket league organized by the BCCI.