The Indian Premier League exists beyond cricket standards by becoming a national fixation which also functions as a worldwide athletic event. The debut of the IPL in 2008 has led it to become a global championship. It is among the premier sporting events worldwide which encompasses elite cricket alongside star power and competitive matchups.
This article provides a breakdown of the Indian Premier League operations starting from team selection methods through the tournament structure. Our guide brought to you by 12BET also includes information for cricket fans of all experience levels who want to learn about T20!
How the Indian Premier League Works
During 2008, the BCCI launched the Indian Premier League tournament that functions yearly as a T20 cricket event. Lalit Modi expressed his praise for the tournament because it launched after India won the 2007 T20 World Cup. The tournament lasts seven weeks from March to May each year wherein eight city-based teams participate in seven weeks of intense competition.
How Are IPL Teams Formed?
Franchises build their squads through a high-profile player auction. Cricketers set a base price, and the teams compete to sign them. Teams can also trade players during specific windows and sign undrafted players afterward. Each squad must have 19 to 25 players, with a maximum of eight overseas players and no more than four in a matchday playing XI.
What is the IPL Format?
The Indian Premier League follows a double round-robin league stage. This means each team plays the others twice: once at home and once away. Here are the points the teams can earn:
- 2 points for a win
- 1 point for a no-result or tie
- 0 for a loss
The top four teams qualify for the playoffs:
- Qualifier 1: Teams ranked 1st and 2nd battle for a direct place in the final.
- Eliminator: 3rd plays 4th, with the loser eliminated.
- Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator.
- Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2.
This structure ensures maximum drama and opportunity right up to the final over.
Teams in the Indian Premier League
There are currently eight franchises in the Indian Premier League, representing major cities across India. Here’s a quick snapshot:
Mumbai Indians
- Captain: Rohit Sharma
- Strength: Elite bowling duo—Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga
- Most Titles: 4 (including 2019)
Chennai Super Kings
- Captain: MS Dhoni
- Strength: Spin-heavy attack with Ravi Jadeja and Imran Tahir
- Titles: 3
Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Captain: Virat Kohli
- Strength: Star-studded batting with Kohli and AB de Villiers
- Most Expensive Player: Kohli at ₹17 crore ($2.4m)
Delhi Capitals
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer
- Strength: Strong top-order with Shikhar Dhawan and Jason Roy
- Eyeing their first IPL title
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Captain: Dinesh Karthik
- Strength: Power bowling by Pat Cummins and Andre Russell
- Titles: 2
Rajasthan Royals
- Captain: Steve Smith
- Strength: Explosive starts by Jos Buttler and consistency from Ben Stokes
- Won the inaugural IPL in 2008
Kings XI Punjab
- Captain: KL Rahul
- Strength: Big hitters like Rahul and Chris Gayle
- Still chasing their first title
Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Captain: David Warner
- Strength: Warner-Bairstow opening combo
- Champions in 2016
Auction Drama in the Indian Premier League
When it comes to the IPL, the annual player auction happens to be a favorite. The franchises enter bidding wars for those local and international talents. In fact, by 2020, Pat Cummins made headlines for one reason: being the most expensive overseas player known, which costs ₹15.5 crore. Still, Virat Kohli will continue to hold the all-time record, with a ₹17 crore bid from the Royal Challengers Bangalore team.
Past Champions of the Indian Premier League
- Mumbai Indians: Most successful team with 4 titles
- Chennai Super Kings: 3-time winners
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Crowned in 2012, 2014, and 2024
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Champions in 2016
- Rajasthan Royals: Won the first edition in 2008
- Deccan Chargers: Won in 2009 before being replaced by Sunrisers Hyderabad
No team has successfully defended their title apart from Chennai in 2011, which adds to the unpredictable nature of the Indian Premier League.
Where to Bet on the Indian Premier League
The IPL championship season needs some extra spark which can be achieved by visiting 12BET. 12BET provides betting opportunities for sixes, dismissals and boundaries through its gambling platform. Through 12BET, users can enjoy both competitive odds together with smooth betting access during every Indian Premier League match.
Final Thoughts
The Indian Premier League combines cricket matches together with entertainment options that surround high-pressure dramas. The event brings continuous excitement starting from auction day through to match conclusion fireworks. IPL stands as a premier international cricket competition since it brings top athletes into play with calculated strategies and devoted supporters.
12BET provides the ideal platform to track IPL matches in the current season!