IPL Turns 18: Happy Birthday to the Biggest Cricket League of the World
On April 18, the Indian Premier League (IPL) celebrates its 18th birthday, a tournament that revolutionized cricket and changed the sport’s landscape forever. This iconic day gave birth to the biggest and largest cricket league in the world, an identity that remains unbeaten even today.
This money-making league has always been hugely popular since its first year, with some of the biggest names in international cricket coming together to become team-mates and compete against each other for the coveted trophy and massive cash prize. The league started in 2008, with Brendon McCullum of Kolkata Knight Riders lighting up the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with an unforgettable 158 not out, smashing ten fours and thirteen sixes against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the inaugural match.
That marvellous knock announced the arrival of a cricketing carnival. Since then, there has been no looking back. Over the years, several players, both Indian and overseas, capped and uncapped, have made their impact in this competition. The league has provided several talented individuals with an opportunity to showcase their talent, skill and ability to secure a spot on their respective national teams.
On the other side, many international heavy-weights have increased and diversified their legacy after delivering power-packed performances. Some stalwarts made their way from being IPL players to coaches, mentors and consultant for different franchises, which resulted in their association with the league strengthening further.
The Indian Premier League has become a benchmark for cricketers to be a part of, and identify themselves through their teams, because of the immense love shown by the loyal fanbases to enhance their popularity.
Awards and honours like Orange Cap, Purple Cap, Player of the Tournament, Super Sixer Striker, Best Fielder/Catch have made this competition more intense. Over the 17 seasons hosted so far, the BCCI has introduced several guidelines, stringent rules and regulations to make IPL a tournament that is class apart and highly professional in every space.
The Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have emerged as the most successful franchises of this league, winning five titles each and holding the record jointly, thanks to the brilliant captaincy by MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma for their teams respectively. Kolkata Knight Riders have won thrice and were the 2024 defending champions.
Interestingly, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings and the Lucknow Super Giants have never won the IPL title even once since they entered this prestigious league.
The long period also saw some guest teams come and go because of their limited tenure in the tournament’s history – Rising Pune Supergiants, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Gujarat Lions and Pune Warriors.
As the league undergoes its 18th season, the king Virat Kohli stands as the highest run-scorer in the league’s rich history. He has amassed 8,252 runs, which includes 8 centuries and 58 half-centuries and never missed a season, making him the league’s one of the most loyal and prolific batters.
On the bowling front, Yuzvendra Chahal tops the list for being the highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL, with 211 wickets in 166 matches played. Chahal has been associated with different franchises over the years, but it was at RCB where he truly flourished.
The brainchild of Lalit Modi and BCCI is the most expensive cricket tournament as of today, and with the times to come ahead, it is only going to get even bigger and expansive. Wishing IPL a sweet birthday, as it turns into an adult officially.
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