All set for another star-studded, high finance Indian Premier League

Kyle Jamieson of Punjab Kings celebrates a wicket, 2025.
Photo: ARJUN SINGH / PHOTOSPORT

The Indian Premier League heads into its 19th season this weekend with the best short-format players from around the globe playing for big money.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2026 IPL.

Money

• The IPL is the richest franchise T20 competition in the world with an estimated value of $30 billion.
• The most valuable franchise is Royal Challengers Bengaluru at an estimated $3b.
• The League generates around $2.3b annually, primarily from broadcast rights.
• The 10 franchises had a combined total of $50 million to spend on the player auction in December.
• Kokata paid $4.78m for Australian all-rounder Cameron Green.
• The IPL winners will collect $5m.

Owners

• The IPL is owned and run by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, while the individual franchises are owned by various multi-national companies, celebrities, individuals and private equity groups.
• In March Royal Challengers Bengaluru was sold by the Indian arm of UK-based drinks giant Diageo to a group headed by Aditya Birla Group which specialises in cement, fashion, metals and chemicals.
• Bollywood is heavily involved including actor Shah Rukh Khan who is a part owner of the Kolkata franchise and Preity Zinta who is with the Punjab Kings.
• Many of the celebrities attend matches to add some extra sparkle and increase the fan-base for their teams.

History

• The first tournament was played in 2008.
• Most wins; Five, Mumbai Indians (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) and Chennai Super Kings (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023)
• Current champions; Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Rachin Ravindra of Chennai Super Kings.
Photo: © R Param / Sportzpics for IPL 2025 / PHOTOSPORT

New Zealand involvement

Twelve New Zealanders are taking part in the 2026 competition with eight of those picked up in the auction.

• Chennai Super Kings; Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes. Coach Stephen Fleming.
• Delhi Capitals; Kyle Jamieson.
• Gujurat Titans; Glenn Phillips.
• Kolkata Knight Riders; Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra.
• Mumbai Indians; Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult.
• Punjab Kings; Lockie Ferguson.
• Rajasthan Royals; Adam Milne.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru; Jacob Duffy.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad; Coach Daniel Vettori.

Virat Kohli of Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrates their IPL win, 2025.
Photo: ARJUN SINGH / PHOTOSPORT

Records

• Highest innings score, 287/3 by Sunrisers Hyderbad against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024
• Highest score, 175* Chris Gayle. Also has most sixes 357.
• Most total runs, 8,661 Virat Kohli (2008-present)
• Most wickets, 221 Yuzvendra Chahal (2011-present)
• Best bowling figures, 6/12 Alzarri Joseph for Mumbai Indians against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2019.
• Most appearances, MS Donhi 278 (2008-present)

Format

• Double round-robin before the top four teams meet in the play-offs.
• Competition runs from 28 March to 31 May.

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