Franchise T20 cricket has reshaped the global game. There are now more than a dozen serious leagues across the calendar. Here’s our ranking of the top T20 cricket leagues in 2026, with full Bangladesh viewing notes.
How We Ranked
- Star power — concentration of international cricketers
- Prize money — total purse + champion’s share
- TV reach — broadcast countries + revenue
- Quality of play — match standards
#1 Indian Premier League (IPL)
| Country | India |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2008 |
| Teams | 10 |
| Prize money | ~₹46.5 crore (champion) |
| Auction value | ~₹1,200+ crore (2025) |
| Watch in BD | T Sports / Rabbithole |
The IPL is the undisputed #1. No other T20 league comes close on money, talent concentration, or global TV reach. Match days regularly draw 200 million+ viewers across South Asia. Every top international plays in it.
What sets IPL apart
- Highest player salaries in cricket (any format)
- Most-watched cricket league in history
- 10-week tournament window where every other league pauses
- Drives transfer market for franchise cricket globally
Read the IPL 2026 Bangladesh viewing guide for free streaming options.
#2 Big Bash League (BBL)
| Country | Australia |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2011 |
| Teams | 8 |
| TV deal | ~AU$220m (2024–28) |
| Watch in BD | Limited; Star Sports occasional |
The BBL has Australia’s best domestic talent plus international stars. December–January window means it doesn’t compete with IPL for talent. Strong family appeal in Australia; less penetration in South Asia.
#3 Pakistan Super League (PSL)
| Country | Pakistan |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2015 |
| Teams | 6 |
| Watch in BD | A Sports / various |
PSL has improved significantly. Strong overseas contingent (David Miller, Babar Azam’s compatriots), competitive matches, and now staged primarily in Pakistan. Marquee-level pace bowling — Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf all play.
#4 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL)
| Country | Bangladesh |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Teams | 7 |
| Watch in BD | T Sports (free) / Rabbithole |
BPL is the centre of Bangladeshi cricket calendar. Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur, Tamim, and Shakib still anchor franchise sides. Foreign stars (Russell, David Miller in past editions) add international flavour. Lower budgets than IPL/PSL but strong domestic talent.
Read the BPL 2026 schedule for the upcoming season.
#5 The Hundred (England)
| Country | England |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2021 |
| Format | 100 balls per innings |
| Watch in BD | Limited |
England’s experiment with the 100-ball format. Mixed reception globally — purists dislike it, families love it. Strong production values and decent overseas signings, but format remains niche outside England.
#6 SA20 (South Africa)
| Country | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 |
| Teams | 6 (all owned by IPL franchises) |
| Watch in BD | FanCode (selected) |
SA20 launched with IPL-style production and franchise ownership tied to Indian counterparts. Strong domestic + international mix. Quickly became South Africa’s premier T20 product.
#7 ILT20 (UAE)
UAE’s franchise league with international stars during the IPL off-season. Strong production but lacks domestic star pipeline.
#8 Major League Cricket (MLC, USA)
USA’s emerging league. Backed by major investors, strong overseas signings. Still finding its identity in a non-cricket market.
#9 Caribbean Premier League (CPL)
The original franchise franchise league outside India. West Indies-flavoured spectacle. Quality has dipped as players prioritize IPL/SA20.
#10 Lanka Premier League (LPL)
Sri Lanka’s domestic T20 league. Strong domestic talent, occasional international stars. Smaller than the other established leagues.
League Calendar 2026
| League | Window | Match Days |
|---|---|---|
| SA20 | January | ~26 matches |
| BBL | December–January | ~40 matches |
| BPL | December–February | ~46 matches |
| PSL | February–March | ~34 matches |
| IPL | March–May | ~74 matches |
| MLC | July–August | ~25 matches |
| The Hundred | August | ~32 matches |
| CPL | August–October | ~30 matches |
| ILT20 | January–February | ~30 matches |
| LPL | July | ~20 matches |
How BD Cricket Fans Watch These Leagues
| League | BD Coverage | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| IPL | T Sports / Rabbithole | Free |
| BPL | T Sports / Rabbithole / Gazi TV | Free |
| PSL | A Sports / various | Cable |
| BBL | Limited; Star Sports occasional | — |
| SA20 / ILT20 / MLC | FanCode | Subscription |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best cricket league in the world?
The Indian Premier League (IPL). No other tournament comes close on prize money, star concentration, or TV viewership. Every elite international plays in it.
What is the second-biggest cricket league?
The Big Bash League (BBL) by financial value and TV deal. Pakistan Super League (PSL) is third on global cricket significance.
Why is BPL ranked above SA20?
BPL has 7 seasons of established history, deep Bangladeshi domestic talent, and is the home league of South Asia’s third-largest cricket market. SA20 has stronger production but is younger.
Where can Bangladeshi fans watch BPL and IPL free?
T Sports broadcasts every BPL match free. IPL is free on T Sports and Rabbithole when broadcasting rights are held. Both apps work on Android and iOS.
Read Next
- How to watch IPL 2026 in Bangladesh
- BPL 2026 schedule and viewing guide
- Best cricket teams in the world 2026
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