T20 cricket has come up the ranks over the years. It’s become a source of income for a number of players and a source of entertainment for fans across the globe. Even as Test cricket has often been in danger of going into oblivion, there has been no stopping the 20-overs format.
Over the years, most cricket-playing nations have come up with their own set of star-studded T20 leagues. The tournaments have had loads of money involved. So much so, that at times, the players put aside their stints in the international circuit and play in the global T20 leagues.
The cricket boards also make sure that the good performers get their rewards for doing well. It goes without saying, that the winners get the most money. But the winners’ prize isn’t quite the same in all the T20 tournaments.
In the article, let’s rank the top five T20 leagues by the winners’ prize money
- T20 Blast- INR 1.80 crores
England is known as the country where the T20 format has originated. The T20 Blast takes place every year and enthralls the fans. The tournament started way back in 2003 when the Surrey Lions beat the Warwickshire Bears by nine wickets in the final.
Ever since then, the event has grown big time. In 2020 it was Nottinghamshire Outlaws, who rolled over the Surrey team by six wickets. The T20 Blast has witnessed loads of money being shelled out.
In the 2020 edition, the winners got 175000 pounds, converting to INR 1.80 crores. The final generally takes place at the end of the English domestic season.
- Big Bash League- INR 3.27 crores
The Big Bash League started from the 2011-12 season with Sydney Sixers emerging as the inaugural champions after they beat the Perth Scorchers by seven wickets at the iconic WACA in Perth. The tournament has come quite a long way forward as it has witnessed as many as 10 seasons thus far.
The Sixers are the joint-most successful team along with the Scorchers, both of whom have won three titles each. The tournament is expected to grow in stature in the coming years.
- Pakistan Super League- INR 3.67 crores
The inaugural edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) took place in 2019 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, with the progression of time, the event returned back to Pakistan.
Nevertheless, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the second leg of PSL 2021 will take place in Abu Dhabi. The winners are set to get whopping prize money of 505000 USD, translating to around INR 3.67 crores.
Due to the state of affairs in the country, cricket remained halted, but the crowd has got their dues back. Islamabad United is the most successful team, having won the title in 2016 and 2018 respectively.
- Bangladesh Premier League- INR 6.19 crores
Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) witnessed its inaugural edition back in 2012 and the matches were held across Dhaka and Chattogram. Dhaka Gladiators won the tournament and became the champions of the inaugural edition.
Over the years, a number of stars, including Mashrafe Mortaza and Shakib Al Hasan have featured in the BPL. Rajshahi Royals are the defending champions.
- Indian Premier League- INR 20 crores
The Indian Premier League (IPL), without a doubt, is the richest among all the T20 leagues around the world. The first edition was played in 2008 and ever since then, its popularity has grown leaps and bounds.
The fact that Virat Kohli’s salary is INR 17 crores shows the stature of the league in the world. Moreover, the winners’ prize money for the 2021 edition is INR 20 crores, showing the amount of money-splurging that goes on in the T20 extravaganza.
Mumbai Indians (MI) are the most successful team in the championship and they would be going for their sixth title in the history of the tournament.
