- Indian Premier League (IPL – India)
- Established: 2008
- Format: 10 franchise-based teams, 2-month season.
- Highlights: World’s richest and most popular T20 league, massive global TV viewership.
- Big Bash League (BBL – Australia)
- Established: 2011
- Format: 8 city-based franchises.
- Highlights: Family-friendly entertainment, strong domestic player focus, growing international attraction.
- Pakistan Super League (PSL – Pakistan)
- Established: 2015
- Format: 6 franchises.
- Highlights: Known for producing young local talent, highly competitive pace bowling stocks.
- Caribbean Premier League (CPL – West Indies)
- Established: 2013
- Format: 6 franchises across the Caribbean.
- Highlights: Festive, carnival-like atmosphere, spotlight for Caribbean talent.
- Bangladesh Premier League (BPL – Bangladesh)
- Established: 2012
- Format: 7 franchises.
- Highlights: Strong local fan following, opportunity for Bangladeshi players to play alongside global stars.
- SA20 (South Africa)
- Established: 2023
- Format: 6 franchises (all IPL-owned).
- Highlights: Revived South African cricket financially, blends IPL investment with local growth.
- ILT20 (International League T20 – UAE)
- Established: 2023
- Format: 6 franchises.
- Highlights: High salaries, many overseas players, backed by Emirates Cricket Board.
- The Hundred (England & Wales)
- Established: 2021
- Format: 100-ball matches, 8 city-based teams.
- Highlights: Innovative format targeting new audiences, strong push for women’s cricket.
- Global T20 Canada / USA’s Major League Cricket (MLC)
- Established: 2018 (Canada) / 2023 (USA).
- Highlights: Expands cricket into North America, attractive pay packages, and international exposure.
💰 How T20 Formats Benefit Players
1. Financial Rewards
- Lucrative Contracts: Players can earn millions in leagues like IPL and ILT20, often dwarfing national contracts.
- Match Fees & Bonuses: Win bonuses, performance incentives, and sponsorship deals add to income.
- Brand Endorsements: Exposure in high-profile leagues increases marketability for ads and sponsorships.
2. Professional Development
- Exposure to Global Talent: Sharing dressing rooms with international stars sharpens skills and mindset.
- High-Pressure Experience: Playing in front of huge crowds and TV audiences builds mental toughness.
- Access to Best Coaches & Facilities: World-class support staff and analytics-driven training.
3. Career Security & Longevity
- Alternative to National Contracts: Even players not picked for their countries can make a stable living.
- Extended Careers: Veterans like Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, and AB de Villiers prolonged careers via T20 leagues.
- Opportunities for Specialists: T20 creates roles for “impact” players—power hitters, mystery spinners, death bowlers.
4. Global Recognition
- Fan Base Beyond Borders: A player from Afghanistan (e.g., Rashid Khan) becomes a global icon through T20 leagues.
- Social Media Boost: League exposure boosts followership, which translates into commercial opportunities.
5. Flexibility & Freedom
- Multiple Income Streams: Players can participate in different leagues year-round.
- Less Physically Demanding: Compared to Tests, T20 matches are shorter, reducing wear and tear.
- Platform for Young Talent: Domestic players get instant recognition and fast-tracked into national teams (e.g., Jasprit Bumrah via IPL).
⚖️ Balanced Perspective
- Pros: Money, fame, opportunities, exposure, career longevity.
- Cons: Risk of player burnout (too many leagues), conflict with national boards, prioritizing leagues over international duty.
✅ In Summary:
T20 leagues like the IPL, BBL, CPL, and others have revolutionized cricket by creating a global marketplace for players. They provide not just unmatched financial benefits but also professional growth, international exposure, and long-term career security. For many modern cricketers, franchise T20 cricket is just as valuable—sometimes even more—than international cricket.
