IPL ranked third globally amid concerns over player rights and welfare

The Indian Premier League, widely regarded as the financial powerhouse of global T20 cricket, has been ranked third among the world’s leading franchise leagues in a new assessment by the World Cricketers’ Association, highlighting both its strengths and areas needing reform.

According to rankings released on Thursday, the IPL scored 62.6 points, placing it behind The Hundred (75.2) and SA20 (68) among 10 leagues evaluated globally. While the IPL received top marks for player payments and reliability, it fell short in critical areas such as players’ right to organise and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The findings underscore a growing conversation around player welfare in franchise cricket, even as leagues continue to expand commercially. Tom Moffat emphasized the need for balanced growth, stating that while the boom in domestic T20 competitions has benefited the sport, stronger protections for players remain essential.

“The growth of the domestic leagues landscape has been overwhelmingly positive for our sport, but it has the potential to be even better,” Moffat said, adding that all sanctioned leagues should aim to provide fair standards and protections.

The IPL has also faced recent criticism on multiple fronts. In January, Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders amid diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh, raising concerns about player security and external influences.

Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been scrutinised for its long-standing policy that restricts centrally contracted Indian male players from participating in overseas franchise leagues — a rule critics argue limits player freedom in an increasingly globalised cricket economy.

Despite these concerns, the IPL remains the richest and most influential T20 league in the world, continuing to attract top talent and massive global audiences. The 19th edition of the tournament is set to begin on March 28, with expectations of another commercially successful season.

As franchise cricket evolves, the WCA’s report serves as a timely reminder that financial success must be matched with robust frameworks to safeguard the rights and welfare of players worldwide.