IPL Tops, PSL Second: BBC and Cricviz Release Best Franchise T20 Leagues

Since the introduction of the T20 format, franchise-based cricket tournaments have dramatically transformed the cricketing landscape across the globe. Almost every Test-playing nation, alongside several emerging cricket countries, now hosts franchise leagues that attract top talent, fans, and significant commercial interest. Among these, some tournaments have risen to become iconic, setting benchmarks in quality, viewership, and entertainment. Recently, BBC and Cricviz conducted a comprehensive survey to identify and rank the best franchise cricket tournaments worldwide. This list, eagerly awaited by fans and stakeholders, sheds light on the current status of franchise cricket globally and also highlights where some traditional leagues stand today.

The survey focused on multiple dimensions such as the overall quality of the tournament, the excitement generated during matches, especially the thrill of the last over and last ball, match statistics like average runs, boundaries scored, wickets taken by pacers and spinners, and importantly, viewership and social media popularity. Another crucial aspect of the survey was the level of participation and interest shown by foreign cricketers, which reflects the tournament’s global appeal and competitive standard. After thorough analysis, the BBC and Cricviz released a list of the top seven franchise cricket leagues, with the Indian Premier League (IPL) unsurprisingly sitting at the top of the list, followed by the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in second place. Other leagues making it to the prestigious top seven included Australia’s Big Bash League, the newly established IL T20 of the United Arab Emirates (which started in 2023), the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), and South Africa’s SA T20 tournament.

One notable absentee from this elite list is the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), a tournament that once held great promise and was highly regarded, especially in the early 2010s. The BPL, which began its journey in 2012, was among the earlier franchise leagues launched after the IPL. At one point, it was seen as the talk of the cricket world, thanks to its competitive matches and participation of big stars. The BPL actually predated some other leagues such as the PSL and CPL, which have since grown in stature and popularity. However, rather than progressing and consolidating its position, the BPL’s trajectory has been quite the opposite, marred by various challenges and controversies.

Over the years, the BPL has gradually lost its value and appeal. The tournament has been plagued by a number of issues, including allegations and stigma related to fixing, which have dented its reputation. Problems such as poorly fixed schedules that clash with international fixtures, subpar broadcasting standards not meeting global expectations, reluctance of top international players to participate, and arbitrary decisions by franchise owners have all contributed to the league’s decline. Despite being the biggest cricket tournament in Bangladesh, the BPL now finds itself on a path of decline, struggling to maintain relevance in the highly competitive and crowded world of T20 franchise cricket.

This is particularly evident when compared to leagues like the IPL and Big Bash, which have consistently raised their standards in terms of organization, star power, global viewership, and financial health. Even newer leagues such as the IL T20 in the UAE, which only began in 2023, have managed to carve out a spot in the top tier of franchise tournaments, showcasing the rapid growth and dynamic nature of franchise cricket worldwide. Other leagues like The Hundred in England also contribute to this expanding ecosystem, though they were not included in the top seven list.

The BBC and Cricviz survey criteria reflect a comprehensive approach to evaluating these tournaments. They emphasize not just the on-field action but also the commercial and fan engagement aspects. The excitement during critical moments of the game, average scoring rates, boundary frequency, and wicket-taking abilities of bowlers are all technical factors that indicate the competitive balance and entertainment value of a league. Meanwhile, viewership numbers and social media engagement highlight the popularity and fan base reach, which are crucial for any league’s sustainability and growth.

Moreover, the survey assessed how appealing these tournaments are to foreign cricketers, as the presence of international stars significantly enhances the quality and global appeal of the league. Interestingly, other emerging franchise tournaments such as the US Major League Cricket and Canada’s Global T20 tournament, despite their ambitions, have yet to find a place among the world’s top franchise leagues, indicating the high standards required to break into this elite group.

In conclusion, the BBC and Cricviz ranking reiterates the IPL’s position as the premier franchise cricket tournament globally, with leagues like PSL, Big Bash, and IL T20 trailing closely. It also serves as a wake-up call for leagues like the BPL, which must address their organizational, reputational, and quality challenges if they hope to regain their past glory and secure a place among the cricketing elite once again. As franchise cricket continues to evolve, maintaining high standards on and off the field will be key to attracting fans, players, and commercial partners worldwide.