Sports lovers know that football is globally followed and is the most famous game in sports entertainment. But one game has been linked with the feelings, emotions, and hearts of people in Asian and Indian Subcontinent countries. Yes, you got it right; we are talking about Cricket. You can call it the game of nerves, aggression, passion, intensity, or unexpected, shocking wins. But you can’t deny the fact that cricket has raised the bar of excitement, sportsmanship, and crazy fan-following among sports buffs and cricket spectators.
Cricket was and will always be one of the most popular sports worldwide. However, the game of discipline and integrity evolved after country division cricket leagues. Likewise, the grand stages are set for the giant legends of each country to collide. Hence, enjoyment and entertainment have been the real motto behind these cricket leagues. So, let’s discover the top-rated seasoned cricket leagues that offer many enjoyable aspects with high drama and nail-biting experience here:
1. IPL (Indian Premier League)
Without any debut, IPL (Indian Premier League) is the true pioneer of modern-day franchise cricket. Many references and evidence exist about multiple leagues being the first-ever country cricket league. But IPL was the truly game-changer for the T20 cricket format. As that’s the reason it is the top franchise cricket league all around the world and holds the position of being the most expensive cricket league and tournament worldwide.
The first edition of this evolutionary tournament was inaugurated back in 2008 with eight local capital cities. The inaugurated first event ended after 59 houseful matches, and Rajasthan Royals earned the first title in their name. With a brand value of 11 billion US dollars, this massive franchise event has been hosted fifteen times.
IPL contains all the promotional and commercial elements that a country-level league requires. For instance, highly budgeted franchises, world-famous players, economical support, and showbiz star power.
2. PSL (Pakistan Super League)
After the unfortunate and wretched incident on 3rd March 2009, the country of enormous talent lost its association and right of hosting global cricket events and bilateral series. However, the Launch of PSL (Pakistan Super League) in 2016 opened the doors of hope for the cricket fans living in the greenland. Many indications were made during the absence of international cricket on the surface of Pakistan. But after the wait of almost nine years, international cricket returned to the land of green shirts when the final of PSL 2017 was played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
As of 2023, the country has successfully hosted eight editions with critically acclaimed global praise. Just like Pakistan has been called the land of fast pacers and Sultans of Swing, PSL has continued that tagged legacy by producing young and ruthless fast bowlers throughout time. That’s why many international players consider PSL above other leagues in terms of high-drama matches and exposure of national talent in fast bowling.
3. Big Bash League
During December’s summer heat in Australia, a mega event has been organized every year since 2011. Replacing other competitions with the same name, Big Bash is considered the most-watched cricket event during the hot summers of December in Australia. The national men’s team of Australia has always dominated all three major formats of world cricket. Similarly, during the international cricket world cup, this team becomes an unstoppable force that destroys the confidence of the top-level teams. With the same conquering mindset, Australian Cricket Board launched a new official franchise tournament with eight local teams.
The December dominating event showcases Australia’s fast track and bouncy grounds for three months. Big Bash’s most famous and successful team Perth Scorchers is the current champion of the 2022-23 edition.
4. CPL (Caribbean Premier League)
Talking about franchise cricket? Then how can you forget to mention a region that is the land of those legends and kings that own the royalty of all cricket leagues globally? Yes! We are talking about the land of multi-talented and most entertaining sportsmen. The diverse region of the Caribbean has been hosting this event of international and local powerhouses since 2013.
CPL (Caribbean Premier League) is the official franchise tournament hosted by CWI (Cricket West Indies). There are six local Caribbean teams that participate and compete to win the gold. The major event in the Caribbean is famous for being the event of diverse colors, interesting characters, and pure entertainment. Many also call this event “the biggest party in sports.” All praise goes to its cast of globally renowned players and enthusiastic local talent that makes this annual tournament worth-watching series of matches.
5. T20 Blast
County cricket or English Cricket counties are historical club tournaments hosted since the early eighteen. T20 Blast, which first lent the birth of league cricket, is the updated and modern version of those English county tournaments. The first edition was played in 2003, making it the first T20 cricket league in the world. ECB (English Cricket Board) is the showrunner and host of the T20 Blast annual tournaments played between eighteen counties.
Just like other seasonal English county tournaments, the T20 Blast is the landscape where retired and emerging players show their talent and represent cricket with great enthusiasm. Moreover, T20 Blast is a way different event from other global franchise tournaments such as Big Bash, IPL, and PSL. As every player from all around the world gets the chance to play the game and captain the team.
To Sum It Up
Even though the history of global cricket tournaments hosted by ICC supports the official events as the primmest, the future of the dominance of franchise cricket is near. True test cricket lovers can have their opinion about the commercialization of cricket through franchise leagues. But they will all agree that premier leagues have managed to give tough times to other formats, such as Test and ODI cricket. We may not know the exact future of other cricket formats. But short format games (T20 and T10) will highlight modern cricket with fast-paced and hard-hitting rounds.
