New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is celebrating its 18th anniversary today (Friday, April 18, 2024). On this day, 18 years ago, a T20 tournament entered the cricketing world, revolutionising the game and changing its dynamics and landscape forever. While the league’s potential to be a game-changer was always there, no one would have imagined it would become the biggest cricket league in the world.
Not only that, IPL has become more than a cricketing league. It is a platform that gives an opportunity to international brands to enter new markets due to its immense popularity and success.
The league generates revenue through television, digital platforms, team sponsorships, and on-ground advertisements. The biggest global brands leave no stone unturned in investing in cricket broadcasts and digital platforms to boost their business in India and the world.
IPL’s phenomenal growth
IPL’s advertising revenue alone in 2025 is estimated at Rs 6,000-7,000 crore, with the current brand value of the league projected at a whopping $12 billion.
No wonder, franchises are shelling an insane amount of money to buy their favourite players. IPL has changed the lives of several little-known cricketers who have used the platform to become famous cricketing personalities. The celebrity connection is another factor that separates IPL from the rest of the leagues.
Judging by what has transpired in 18 years, it was fitting how the journey began on April 18, 2008. In what is seen as the most remarkable inaugural match of any league in the world, Brendon McCullum of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lit up the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with an astonishing 158* off just 73 deliveries, courtesy of ten fours and thirteen sixes against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
The Kiwi batter’s knock announced the arrival of a cricketing carnival in style.
As the league celebrates its 18th birthday, here’s a look at the top performers with bat and ball over the years.
Top run-scorers: Kohli, Dhawan, and Sharma’s remarkable IPL journeys
Virat Kohli, who began his journey with Challengers as a young, talented boy, has created an unmatched legacy in world and franchise cricket since making his debut in 2008. He is the highest run-scorer in IPL history, amassing 8,252 runs from 258 matches, including eight centuries and 58 fifties. Kohli, who has represented just one franchise, has amazingly never missed a season for RCB.
Former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan is second in the list with 6,769 runs in 222 matches. Dhawan has featured for five franchises: Mumbai Indians (MI), Deccan Chargers (DCH), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Rohit Sharma, another Indian stalwart, sits third on the list with 6,710 runs from 263 matches. He has played for two franchises – Deccan Chargers and Mumbai Indians – and has lifted the trophy with both, leading the latter to an astonishing five titles. He has cemented his status as one of the most successful players in the cash-rich league.
Bowling prowess: Chahal, Chawla, and Narine’s wicket-taking dominance
In the bowling charts, Indian leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is way ahead of the pack with 211 wickets in 166 matches. His has journeyed across four franchises including MI, RCB, Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings.
Retired leg-spinner Piyush Chawla is second in the list with 192 wickets in 192 games. The wily tweaker is a two-time IPL winner with KKR (2012) and CSK (2021). He has also played for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and Mumbai Indians.
KKR legend Sunil Narine is just behind Chawla with 187 wickets from 183 games. Since joining the Knight Riders in 2012, Narine has emerged as a game-changer with both bat and ball. A three-time IPL winner, Narine has played crucial roles in all three KKR’s title triumphs in 2012, 2014 and 2024. He has also won the Most Valuable Player of the Season award thrice (2012, 2018, 2024).
(Stats and figures mentioned are till April 18, 2025)
The Indian Premier League (IPL) celebrates its 18th anniversary, marking a remarkable journey from a nascent T20 tournament to the world’s biggest cricket league. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
