The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2007. The first season was played in 2008 and it quickly grew into the most lucrative cricket competition in the world, attracting top international players and transforming the sport's economy.

Each season, ten franchise teams representing cities across India compete in a round-robin league stage followed by playoffs and a grand final. Teams are built through an annual auction where franchises bid for domestic and international players, creating a unique blend of talent from around the globe.

The IPL introduced concepts like the Orange Cap (awarded to the leading run-scorer) and Purple Cap (awarded to the leading wicket-taker) that have become iconic parts of the tournament's identity. The two-month window in April and May generates enormous viewership, with hundreds of millions tuning in across television and digital platforms.

Beyond entertainment, the IPL has been a major accelerator for Indian cricket — giving young domestic players high-pressure match experience alongside world-class internationals. Champions like Mumbai Indians (five titles), Chennai Super Kings (five titles), and Kolkata Knight Riders have defined eras of dominance throughout the league's history.