At this stage, nearly every nation that plays cricket has established its own T20 cricket league. Each of the World’s T20 Leagues boldly claims to be the best in the world. It’s undeniable that each league has its strengths, setting it apart from the others in certain aspects.
For instance, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is renowned for showcasing the current top international players. On the other hand, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is celebrated for its exceptional quality of pace bowling. Similarly, the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia is known for its fast pitches and stunningly beautiful cricket grounds, while the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) brings the unique West Indian flavour to the game.
Thus, every league brings something special and different to the table for the fans, each in its unique way. But now, let’s shift our focus to determine which league is the most profitable in terms of prize money. Let’s make it clear that all the figures mentioned here are in Pakistani Rupees. The values in US dollars are also mentioned, one can convert them into his local currency for better understanding.
Starting our countdown at number 10 is the Lanka Premier League (LPL League) from Sri Lanka. In this league, the team that comes out on top wins a prize of 3 crore rupees (which is equivalent to 100,000 USD), while the team finishing as runner-up is rewarded with 1.5 crore rupees (or 50,000 USD).
Moving to number 9, we find the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). The winning team enjoys a prize of 5 crore rupees (182,325 USD), and the team that comes in second place receives 2.5 crore rupees (91,000 USD) here in BPL league.
Next in line is the Australian Big Bash League (BBL), which significantly increases the stakes. The prize money here is almost double that of the BPL. The champions of this league take home 9 crore rupees (325,000 USD), and the runners-up are given 4.5 crore rupees (162,900 USD).
At number 7, comes the Major League Cricket (MLC) from the United States. This league made its debut in 2023 and has only hosted one season so far. When it comes to prize money, the winning team in the MLC is awarded 14 crore rupees (300,000 USD).
Then, at number 6, we have the Pakistan Super League (PSL). In its 9th edition, the PSL awarded its champions a prize of 14 crore rupees (504,000 USD), while the runners-up received a substantial 5.6 crore rupees (200,000 USD).
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Moving forward, let’s delve into the top 5 cricket leagues in this particular category.
Landing at number 5 is the International League T20 (ILT20) of UAE, which made its debut in 2023. The ILT20 2024 marked the second season of this league, concluding on February 17, 2024. In the ILT20, the prize money set for the winning team was 20 Crore (approximately 700,000 USD), and for the team finishing as runners-up, it was 8 Crore (around 300,000 USD).
Securing the 4th rank is the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), originating from the West Indies. In this league, the triumphant team takes home 28 Crore (1,000,000 USD), and the team that comes in second place is given 19 Crore (660,000 USD).
Surprisingly, occupying the 3rd spot is not another league but the ICC T20 World Cup Tournament. This prestigious tournament rewards the winning team with 45 Crore (1,600,000 USD) and the runners-up with 22.5 Crore (800,000 USD).
The 2nd position is claimed by yet another league that has recently begun, the South Africa T20 league (SA T20). The SA T20 League 2024 concluded on February 10, 2024. This league quickly rose to fame within South Africa. The league’s championship team was lavished with a prize of 55 Crore (1,876,000 USD), while the runner-up team was compensated with 28 Crore (1,000,000 USD).
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And finally, at the pinnacle, ranked number 1, is the Indian Premier League (IPL), the oldest, most exhilarating, and star-filled league in the world. For IPL 2023, the champion team was rewarded with a staggering 67 Crore (2,400,000 USD), and the runner-up team was bestowed with 45 Crore (1,560,000 USD).
Besides the popular World’s T20 leagues and tournaments, there are two other noteworthy competitions: England’s The Hundred Tournament and the Abu Dhabi T10 League. Let’s delve into the Abu Dhabi T10 League first. This tournament is remarkably concise, spanning just 10 days. Despite its brief duration, the prize money it offers is on par with the Lanka Premier League. The team that emerges victorious is rewarded with 3 crore (100,000 USD), while the team that ends up as the runner-up receives 1.5 crore (50,000 USD).
Now, turning our attention to The Hundred Tournament, which was introduced by the England Cricket Board (ECB). This tournament stands out due to its unique format: each inning is limited to 100 balls, with each over consisting of 5 balls. In terms of prize money, the team that finishes second is given 2 crore (95,000 USD), and the team that wins the tournament is awarded a substantial sum of 5 crore (190,000 USD).
This information gives us a glimpse into the prize money awarded to winners and runners-up across various World’s T20 leagues. However, if we shift our focus to the individual accolade of Player of the Tournament, we see a different ranking emerge. Leading the pack is the South Africa T20 League, which awards a substantial 55 Lac to its most outstanding player, positioning it at the top spot. Following closely is the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a reward of 36 Lac for its standout performer, securing the second position.
The Hundred, a tournament introduced by the England Cricket Board, takes the third place by offering 33 Lac to its top player. The Pakistan Super League (PSL) isn’t far behind, providing 30 Lac to its best performer, placing it fourth. Lastly, the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) offers 26 Lakh to its Player of the Tournament, making it fifth in this ranking.
It’s important to note that some leagues did not have their figures available for player of the tournament, which means these rankings are based solely on the data that was accessible.
In summing up, the landscape of cricket leagues worldwide showcases not only the global love for the sport but also highlights the varying degrees of rewards for team excellence and individual brilliance. From the electrifying atmospheres of the IPL to the fast-paced action of the T10, each league offers something unique to players and fans alike. While the Indian Premier League continues to lead in team prize money, the South Africa T20 league shines in recognizing individual talent. This diversity in prize allocations underscores the rich tapestry of cricket competitions, ensuring that the game remains vibrant and rewarding for all involved.
