ipl

IPL commonly refers to the Indian Premier League, a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India established in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It is one of the world's largest cricket leagues by revenue and popularity, featuring top Indian and international players.

The league features ten city-based franchises. Each season runs from March to May and includes a pre-season player auction, with squads assembled under a salary cap. The competition comprises a round-robin group stage followed by a playoff phase.

During the league stage, each team plays 18 matches (against each other team twice). The top four teams advance to the playoffs, beginning with Qualifier 1 (between the first- and second-placed teams), then the Eliminator (between third and fourth), followed by Qualifier 2 and the Final.

Points are awarded as two for a win and zero for a loss, with one point for no result or a tie. Net Run Rate is used as a tiebreaker.

The IPL has become a major commercial sporting league, with extensive television broadcasting, digital streaming, and sponsorship. It attracts international stars and Indian players, generating substantial revenue and global viewership.

Mumbai Indians is the most successful franchise, with five titles, followed by Chennai Super Kings with four. Other champions include Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

In 2020, the season was held entirely in the United Arab Emirates due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2021 season also took place in the UAE before returning to India.

The league has faced controversies, including a 2013 spot-fixing scandal that led to suspensions and reforms under BCCI governance.