Examining the Preeminence of Global Cricket Franchises: Which Outshines the Others?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been crowned the T20 cricket league with the highest entertainment value, according to a recent analysis by BBC and CricViz. The analysis compared several metrics to determine the entertainment value of various T20 leagues, including the average number of sixes per match, dot-ball percentages, home advantage influences, wicket-taking bowling styles, and the frequency of matches decided on the last over or ball.
The IPL leads the pack with an impressive 13.5% of matches concluding on the final ball, making it the league with the highest percentage of last-ball finishes. It also boasts the highest proportion of matches decided in the final over, with 28.9% of matches ending in this dramatic fashion. The average first-innings total in the IPL stands at 179 runs, setting the stage for high-scoring matches.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) follows closely behind, with an average first-innings score of 180 runs and notable last-ball thrillers. However, the IPL still leads overall in thrilling finishes and high-scoring matches.
Other leagues, such as The Hundred, Big Bash League (BBL), and Major League Cricket (MLC), have growing stature and distinct audiences but rank lower than the IPL in last-ball finishes and boundary rates.
The IPL's success can also be attributed to its rich international player participation. The league attracts global stars such as Pat Cummins and Jos Buttler alongside Indian and worldwide talent, making it the richest cricket league in the world with immense broadcasting reach and commercial appeal.
In terms of average first-innings scores, The Hundred, which involves 40 fewer balls, averages two hours and 42 minutes for a match. The Big Bash League, on the other hand, is the quickest T20 league, averaging three hours and 10 minutes. The Caribbean Premier League has the longest average match duration, just under four hours.
The IPL's dominance in the T20 cricket world is further highlighted by its position at the top of an 'Entertainment Index' based on five key metrics. The league is followed by the PSL and ILT20, while The Hundred claims a respectable fourth position. The Big Bash finds itself at the bottom of the rankings.
In summary, the IPL stands out as the T20 league delivering the highest entertainment value across multiple key metrics, including thrilling finishes, boundary rates, and international player attraction. The league's success is a testament to its commitment to providing an exciting and engaging cricket experience for fans around the world.
| Metric | IPL | PSL | The Hundred | Others (BBL, MLC) | |----------------------------------|--------------------|--------------------|----------------------|-----------------------| | % of matches with last-ball finish | 13.5% (highest) | 11.4% | 13.4% | 7.4%–11.1% | | % matches decided in final over | 28.9% (highest) | 27.5% | 24.4% | Lower | | Average first-innings score | 179 runs | 180 runs (highest) | ~160–180 runs typical | Varies | | International star participation | Highest, global stars | High | Moderate | Growing | | Business value & popularity | $18.5 billion, top | Less than IPL | Less popular | Growing markets |
[1] BBC/CricViz Analysis, 2023 [2] Forbes, 2023 [3] KPMG Report, 2022 [4] IPL Media Rights, 2023 [5] The Hundred, 2023
The Indian Premier League (IPL) excels in delivering thrilling finishes, as it has the highest percentage of matches concluding on the final ball and the highest proportion of matches decided in the final over. The league's average first-innings total stands at an impressive 179 runs, contributing to its reputation for high-scoring matches.
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a close second, boasting an average first-innings score of 180 runs and exciting last-ball thrillers. However, in terms of overall thrilling finishes and high-scoring matches, the IPL takes the lead.
