Cricket Leagues Around the World: IPL, BBL, PSL, The Hundred and More

A guide to the major cricket leagues: IPL, BBL, PSL, CPL, SA20, ILT20, MLC, The Hundred and the women's leagues, with their countries, formats and first seasons.

Franchise leagues such as the IPL, BBL, PSL, CPL, SA20, ILT20, MLC and The Hundred are mostly played in the T20 format, with The Hundred as the main exception, using 100-ball innings.

The big men's leagues

The Indian Premier League (IPL) began in 2008 and is played in India. The Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia began in the 2011-12 season. The Caribbean Premier League (CPL) began in 2013, and the Pakistan Super League (PSL) began in 2016.

Newer leagues include The Hundred in England and Wales (2021), the SA20 in South Africa (2023), the International League T20 (ILT20) in the United Arab Emirates (2023) and Major League Cricket (MLC) in the United States (2023).

Women's leagues

The Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) began in 2015 in Australia. The Women's Premier League (WPL) in India began in 2023. The Hundred also has a women's competition played alongside the men's.

Domestic competitions

Beyond the franchise leagues, each major cricket country has its own domestic structure: the Ranji Trophy in India, the Sheffield Shield in Australia, the County Championship in England and Wales, and the Plunket Shield in New Zealand are first-class competitions.

Following them on WicketOut

Each league page lists its logo, teams, stadiums and records where available. Open the leagues index to browse them, or pick your favourite leagues in your preferences to see them first.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the oldest T20 franchise league?

Of the major leagues, the IPL (2008) is the oldest, followed by the BBL (2011-12) and the CPL (2013).

Is The Hundred a T20 league?

No. It uses a 100-ball innings, bowled in sets of five or ten balls, rather than 20 overs.

Where is Major League Cricket played?

Major League Cricket is played in the United States and started in 2023.