Top 10 Cricket Leagues in the World: Which Ones Are Worth Watching?

There’s never been a better time to be a cricket fan. Regardless of who your favourite player might be, you’re bound to find them in one of the top 10 richest cricket leagues in the world. These leagues not only showcase top-tier talent but also deliver thrilling matches, massive fan followings, and unforgettable moments that keep viewers hooked year-round.

We’ll explore the leagues with the most lucrative broadcast rights, highest viewership, and biggest sponsorship deals, and reveal which teams top the list in the Top 10 Richest Cricket Leagues in the World.

Indian Premier League (IPL): The Undisputed Giant

Are you a cricket fan if you don’t love the IPL? This T20 league in India attracts only the best international stars, as well as the country’s top players, such as Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni, and Rohit Sharma.

Why IPL is the richest cricket league in the world

Due to massive broadcast deals and sponsorship deals, the IPL is worth $12 billion. It’s not uncommon for players to earn millions from a contract in recent years, and role players can become popular overnight with good performances.

How IPL changed the global cricket economy

Starting in 2008, the IPL was the first league to embrace the T20 format and introduce the idea of player auctions, team ownership by corporations, and schedules based around the best times to watch on TV. Indian Premier League predictions are more popular than ever, and cricket boards now plan their international games around the IPL to ensure there are no conflicts for the top cricket league in the world.

Big Bash League (BBL): Australia’s Entertainment Powerhouse

The BBL is behind the IPL in popularity and financial worth of $10 million, but there are great deal of talented players from all over the world. Scheduling issues sometimes prevent the biggest names from appearing in all matches, but local Aussie stars like David Warner, Glenn Maxwell, and Steve Smith often find time to play in a handful of matches. We list all our BBL betting tips throughout the tournament - stay tuned.

Unique match-day experience and fan culture

From player microphones to on-field interviews, the BBL does a good job of innovating the T20 experience. You’ll find team mascots, fire jets when a six is scored, and a DJ to hype up the crowd. The BBL has quickly become massively popular on cricket websites for betting.

How BBL promotes local talent

We’re seeing dozens of Australian cricketers find their footing and eventually a place in the national squad thanks to playing in the BBL. The high-pressure games and worldwide viewership help to establish young players on the biggest stage.

Pakistan Super League (PSL): A Story of Resilience and Growth

The PSL, worth $5.7 million, is gaining a lot of respect as one of the top 10 cricket leagues in the world. Local support from fans and the Pakistan Cricket Board is ensuring that the PSL is growing every year to become one of the fastest growing T20 competitions in the world and fans are making more bets on PSL predictions than ever before.

Overcoming early challenges

While there were initial concerns about safety and political strife, as well as limited amount of access to stadiums, the support from fans and players alike has helped the PSL to ride out the storm and become a solid league.

PSL’s role in reviving cricket in Pakistan

PSL matches in cities like Lahore and Karachi are bringing life back to Pakistan’s cricket stadiums. The league has helped restore confidence from other countries making tours to Pakistan for international matchups, as proven by Pakistan hosting the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy.

The Hundred: England’s Bold Experiment

Traditional cricket fans don’t like the idea of too much change, others have embraced something different and new fans are on board. There’s great cricket action on the pitch and big names are signing up to take part in The Hundred, which is worth $9 million.

What makes the 100-ball format different

Each team will face a maximum of just 100 balls, compared to 120 in T20 cricket. Bowlers can bowl two consecutive overs, and the overs themselves can be either 5 or 10 deliveries. The Hundred speeds things up and simplifies everything for casual fans.

How it appeals to younger audiences

There’s fun music and digital entertainment at every match of The Hundred. TikTok and YouTube feature many highlights and there are strong social media campaigns to attract younger fans. It’s not unusual to see fans sharing tips for fantasy cricket.

SA20: South Africa’s New Hope

One of the more recent top 10 cricket leagues in the world to emerge, the SA20 has only existed since 2023 and is worth $12.5 million. The league is catching up quickly thanks to backing from IPL owners and exciting cricket matches.

IPL investment and its impact

Each of the six teams in the SA20 is owned by IPL investors, which only helps to bring in international support, broadcasting deals, better marketing, and bigger players.

How SA20 is reviving South African domestic cricket

This is simply a new way to generate revenue for the South African Cricket Board and act as a stage for local players to perform. Fan interest was waning for some time in South Africa, but the SA20 has helped to rejuvenise cricket and home-grown players.

ILT20: UAE’s High-Stakes Entry

Fairly new to the T20 scene, the ILT20 in the UAE has been attempting to become a major cricket spot for big-name players since 2023.

Why ILT20 attracts top international players

Worth $15 million, the league is held during one of the quieter times on the cricket calendar, and fantastic accommodation with shorter seasons makes the ILT20 very attractive to international players.

Tax-free contracts and global appeal

By playing in January, the league avoids big clashes with other leagues and international games. Huge, modern venues in Dubai and Abu Dhabi make it appealing for cricketers to travel to the UAE and play in the league. Plus, the large, tax-free salaries certainly don’t hurt for veteran players and rising stars.

Major League Cricket (MLC): Cricket’s American Dream

The U.S. sports world is dominated by basketball, ice hockey, American football, and baseball, but there’s no reason why cricket can’t make an impact. The MLC hopes that the shortened T20 version is exciting for Americans to hopefully become one of the top 10 richest cricket leagues in the world, now worth $6.9 million.

How MLC is building a fanbase in the USA

Teams have been placed in already sports-mad cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, and the league has support from some IPL franchises. Plus, hosting the T20 World Cup in 2024 and building on grassroots and marketing partnerships is helping the fanbase grow.

Challenges of growing cricket in a non-traditional market

It’s unlikely cricket will ever be as popular in the U.S. as the NBA or NFL, as the smaller media coverage and unfamiliarity with the game present a big challenge. Still, some well-known cricketers like Faf du Plessis and Travis Head have already played for the league.

Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Where Cricket Meets Carnival

The CPL showcases cricket in a very Caribbean way, with beachside stadiums, lively music, and incredibly talented players making huge shots across the grounds.

CPL’s cultural vibe and tourism impact

Cricket is big news in the Caribbean, especially in spots such as St. Lucia and Trinidad. The CPL is worth $4.6 million and is yet one more reason for tourists to check out the region (if the sun and sand weren’t enough).

Why fans love the Caribbean cricket experience

The fans have boundless energy and the talented local players are helping to shape the West Indies squad in other cricket formats. The CPL games are very entertaining to watch and are as competitive as any other top cricket league in the world.

Bangladesh Premier League (BPL): A Platform for Local Stars

While Bangladesh is not generally known as a cricketing powerhouse and is worth $4.8 million, the country still loves the sport and the BPL is starting to grab attention.

How BPL supports Bangladeshi cricket

The league is a fantastic opportunity for young local players to learn the game alongside international veterans. The BPL brings in smart coaches from around the world to help prepare the Bangladeshi players for the national team.

Financial growth and international participation

There have been organisational issues getting started but the latest seasons have been a hit, in terms of overseas players and fan attendance.

Lanka Premier League (LPL): Sri Lanka’s Rising League

Sri Lanka is not to be left out of the top leagues in the world cricket; as game of cricket is just as popular here as in India or Pakistan. The LPL is worth $3 million and is helping younger players get a start in cricket and with much-needed experience.

Opportunities for emerging Sri Lankan players

The national squad is looking for younger talents all the time, and players such as Matheesha Pathirana and Dunith Wellalage are two of the names that have emerged recently from the LPL.

How LPL is gaining global attention

Improved TV deals, international players joining, and better organisation are the reasons why the LPL is attracting global attention and getting more viewership.

Conclusion

Each of the top 10 cricket leagues in the world has something unique and special to offer cricket fans. Whilst the enduring appeal of the IPL continues, the growing global appeal of leagues like the LPL highlights the expanding reach and popularity of cricket.

Discover more about these leagues with our cricket blog for the latest tips and news.