Top Facts About IPL: Interesting & Fun

Listen to this article

16 years have passed since the founding of the IPL in 2008. Each season, teams play hundreds of matches, creating many interesting moments and updating records. If you watch IPL and make bets on Indian cricket, you can use website 4RaBet for betting. 

In addition to the games themselves, interesting, funny, and unusual incidents occur with IPL players and teams outside the playing field: during training, and auctions. We have compiled a selection of the most interesting facts related to the IPL since the founding of the league.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About IPL

Table of Contents hide

Here are the most interesting facts from the IPL history. 

IPL stars overtaken Bollywood stars in celebrity advertisement ranking

In the rankings of Most Valued Indian Celebrity in the last few years, we can see IPL stars between Bollywood actors and actresses. For few times, Virat Kohli even took first place. 

Longest Winning Streak In IPL

In the seasons 2014-2015, KKR had the longest winning streak in the IPL history. Kolkata Knight Riders got 10 wins in a row. 

In the seasons 2014-2015, KKR had the longest winning streak in the IPL history

The other one similar record of winning streak with IPL titles. Only CSK has 2 won in a row: in 2010 and 2011. 

The Only Team To Never Change Its Captain

CSK is the only team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) that has never changed its captain since the inaugural season in 2008. The captaincy of CSK has been consistently held by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is one of the most successful and iconic captains in IPL history. And there is a high chance to see MS Dhoni in the IPL 2024: despite his 40+ age, Dhoni confirmed his intention to return to the IPL in 2024. 

The Biggest-Ever Winning

On May 6, 2017, Mumbai Indians played against Delhi Daredevils at the Feroz Shah Kotla Ground in Delhi. Mumbai Indians batted first and posted a massive total of 212/3 in their 20 overs. The top performers with the bat for Mumbai were Lendl Simmons and Krunal Pandya. 

In response, Delhi Daredevils had a challenging task ahead but could only manage to score 66 runs in 13.4 overs, losing all their wickets. This resulted in Mumbai Indians winning the match by a massive margin of 146 runs. The 146-run victory by Mumbai Indians against Delhi Daredevils in the 2017 IPL season remains the largest winning margin in the history of the tournament. 

Also, there are few next biggest-ever winnings after the DD vs MI:

YearTeams playedWho wonTotal Runs of the winnerMargin
2016RCB vs GLRCB249144
2008KKR vs RCBKKR223140
2015RCB vs PBKSRCB227138
2013RCB vs PWIRCB264130

“Go Green” promotions and new RCB’s jerseys

RCB conceived the concept of “Green Game”  in 2011. Since then, the team has dedicated one of its home matches to spread awareness regarding a cleaner and greener environment. The green RCB jerseys at the IPL 2023 were made using recycled waste collected at the stadium.

The IPL is the most prevalent cricket game in the world

In 2023, the IPL is positioned as the second-most valuable sporting league in the world. With a valuation of over $10.7 billion, it falls between the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, which is valued at $16 billion, and Major League Baseball (MLB), valued at $10.7 billion.

Interesting fact about IPL: the IPL is positioned as the second-most valuable sporting league in the world

This placement highlights the tremendous economic and commercial success of the IPL on a global scale. The league has grown in popularity, attracting top international players, significant sponsorships, and a massive fan base. Its financial value places it in an elite category, reinforcing its status as a major player in the world of sports leagues.

Which player has won the most IPL titles?

Including the last 2023 IPL season, there are two players in the IPL history, who had the most IPL titles, as a player. They are current MI skipper Rohit Sharma and CSK batsman Ambati Rayudu. Both have won the IPL title six times.

What does the IPL mean for the Indian economy?

The Board Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) collected 48,390 crores after the IPL auction concluded on December 23, 2022. In recent years, each IPL season has brought around $150-180 million to the Indian budget. And it is only the clean taxes, not including the added values from the working places for Indians, growing up the Indian companies (by ads from IPL), etc. 

Only Player To Have Played Both 1st And 500th Game Of the IPL

Zaheer Khan is the only player to feature in the IPL’s inaugural as well as its 500th match. At first, he represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) when they squared off with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2008’s opening match. 

Zaheer Khan is the only player to feature in the IPL's inaugural as well as its 500th match

During the 500th game of the tournament, Zaheer played for Delhi Daredevils in the game against Rajasthan Royals. Sadly but interesting fact, while Zaheer holds this unique record, he ended up on the losing side on both occasions. 

One ball is priced at around 21 Lakh Rupees

The Selling price of the Podcast rights of IPL 2018 for the next 5 years (till 2022) was an amount of rupees 16347.5 Crores to Star India Network. It foretells that one ball prices around 21 Lakh Rupees.

But the record will be updated: for the next 5 years (2023-2027), TV and digital rights combined were sold at a whopping 48,390 Crore. 

Top Unknown Facts About IPL History

Even the most addicted cricket fans can open some new from the IPL history. Because for the 16 seasons, the league collects a lot of unknown facts. 

Pakistan cricketers are banned in IPL

There is no general ban on Pakistani cricketers participating in the IPL. However, there have been periods of strained political relations between India and Pakistan, which have occasionally impacted sports, including cricket.

Historically, there have been instances where Pakistani players faced challenges in participating in the IPL auctions. In 2009, after the Mumbai terror attacks, no Pakistani players were initially selected in the IPL auction. Subsequently, in the following seasons, some Pakistani players were able to participate in the league.

IPL Could Have Been A One Day Tournament

The mastermind behind IPL, Lalit Modi, first proposed to pitch a 50-over (One Day format) format tournament back in 1995 to the BCCI. But that proposal was rejected.

Unknown fact from the IPL history: in 1995, Lalit Modi proposed to pitch a 50-over (One Day format) format tournament

It was only when ICL was launched by Zee in 2007, that BCCI decided to start its own Twenty20 league. Imagine being a fan of the 50-over cricket tournament. What does that mean? How things would have been different: fewer matches and probably fewer franchises! 

The BCCI founded the IPL as a concurrent for ICL

The ICL was an unofficial Twenty20 cricket league launched by Zee Entertainment Enterprises in 2007, featuring domestic and international players. The league faced opposition from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), leading to conflicts and players associated with ICL being banned from official cricket.

Tickets for IPL matches cost different

The higher price is for matches at Royal Challengers Bangalore home. The most valued ticket possible to cost around 50,000 rupees ($600). 

The IPL 2023 was one of the most viewed sports events in the world

IPL 2023 registered 0.505 billion viewers on TVs. For comparison, the American Super Bowl reached only 115 million viewers. 

Top Fun Facts About IPL

Some facts of IPL history may seem funny to fans.

The Jai-Veeru of IPL

Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey played for 4 IPL teams each. And every season they have always been on the same team: 

  • 2008: MI
  • 2009-2010: RCB
  • 2011-2013: PWI
  • 2014-2017: KKR

The most “multi-teammate” players

For their career, they have changed the most amount of the IPL teams. 

Interesting fact from IPL: Aaron Finch in 2010-2020 have changed 8 teams

Aaron Finch (8 teams):

  • Teams Played for: Rajasthan Royals (2010), Delhi Daredevils (2011-2012), Pune Warriors India, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab, Gujarat Lions, Royal Challengers Bangalore (2020).
  • Total IPL Runs: 2005 runs from 87 matches.

Thisara Perera (6 teams):

  • Teams Played for: Chennai Super Kings (2010), Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kings XI Punjab, and Rising Pune Supergiants.
  • Total IPL Runs: 422 runs and 31 wickets from 37 matches (2010-2016).

Parthiv Patel (6 teams):

  • Teams Played for: Chennai Super Kings, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
  • Total IPL Runs: 2,848 runs from 139 matches.

The most unlucky player

Is Ashok Dinda. He has played for 4 teams, but every time his team ended up in the bottom four. Also, the teams he has played for have never qualified for the Finals.

Fun fact about IPL — the cricketer Ashok Dinda played for 4 teams, but every time his team ended up in the bottom four

Since 2021, Dinda has been a Member of the Legislative Assembly and represents the Moyna constituency. We hope, on the political side, he will get better results. 

Most Ducks In IPL History

… have Dinesh Karthik. For his IPL career, since 2008 Karthik played for 6 teams. And his most famous result is most ducks. In his 16-season IPL career, Karthik has been dismissed for zero runs a shocking 17 times.

Team With Most Captain Changes

In 16 IPL seasons, Punjab Kings changed their leader by 14 (!) times. Second place by Delhi Capitals: 13 times. Next is the SRH — only 9 times. 

Team With the Most IPL Final Losses

The CSK’s fans, possibly, are the most stressed fan army in the IPL. During the league history, Chennai has played in the final by 10 times. And half of them were lost. 

From children’s dreams to legendary rise

In 2008, when IPL was just created, Sarfaraz Naushad Khan was 10 years old. And in the auction before IPL 2018 he became the costliest player for that season. He was bought by RCB for 17 Crores and played alongside Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers. 

Conclusion

Interesting, funny, and unusual facts from the history of IPL may appeal to cricket fans. But also some of them can be used to make more accurate predictions for the upcoming IPL 2024 season.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About IPL History Video

FAQ

What is the Total IPL Value?

The total brand value of the league in 2022 was 90,038 crore ($11 billion). 

Who is the most paid cricketer from advertisements in the IPL?

Virat Kohli. He charges between 7.5-10 crores or around $1.25 million per advertisement for the 18 brands he endorses. Per year, he makes 175 crore or about $23 million.

Who is the Most Aged Player In IPL?

Brad Hogg: 45 years 92 days (during his last match in May 2016). He played his last IPL season for KKR. 

Who is the Youngest Player in the IPL?

Priyas Ray Burman, who plays for RCB in the 2019 IPL season, at the age of 16 years and 152 days. 

Who is the Top For Centuries in IPL?

Virat Kohli with 7 centuries. 

When and between whom was the first IPL Match?

RCB vs KKR, at April 18, 2008. In results, Kolkata Knight Riders won by 140 runs. 

Who has the Highest Win Percentage in IPL? 

Mumbai Indians. MI played 247 matches with 138 wins. It means their win percentage is 55.87%. 

What Team has the Most Wins in the IPL?

Mumbai Indians with 138 wins and 5 IPL titles. 

Who are the strongest team in IPL?

By the amount of IPL titles, the strongest teams are Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings: 5 titles each. By the amount of wins and by the winning percentage, the strongest team is Mumbai Indians. 

Who has the Lowest Win Percentage in IPL?

Delhi Capitals, with the most losses in the history of IPL, including the 2023 season. In 16 IPL editions, they played 238 matches and have lost 127 of them. A win percentage of 44.3%. 

Who has the Most Catches in IPL?

In IPL History: Suresh Raina took 109 catches in 205 matches. His catch-per-innings ratio is 0.53. 
In IPL 2023: Ruturaj Gaikwad, with 17 catches in 16 matches. 

Who made the First 4s, 6s, and Century in IPL?

Brendon McCullum from KKR hit the first boundary. And also Brendon McCullum scored the first-ever century in IPL history. 

Who is the Worst Bowler in the IPL?

Tushar Deshpande from CSK is the worst IPL bowler ever. He conceded the most runs in an IPL season, with 564 runs in the 16th season of the tournament.

Who is the Best Bowler in the IPL?

Latish Malinga from Mumbai Indians. In 122 matches, he got 170 wickets. 

Who is the Best batsman in the IPL?

Virat Kohli from RCB, with 7263 runs. 

Who does the Most Hat-tricks in the IPL?

In total, in 16 IPL seasons In the IPL (Indian Premier League), this feat has been achieved 22 times across by 19 different bowlers. Amit Mishra has the most number of IPL hat-tricks in the history of IPL with 3 hat-tricks. 

Who does the most dot-balls in the IPL?

Shikhar Dhawan: 1894 dot balls. 

Who scored the most runs in the IPL?

Virat Kohli with 7263 runs. 

Which overseas player played more matches in the IPL?

Kieron Pollard made his debut for Mumbai Indians in 2010 and has played 123 matches for the team. 

What is the highest player price in the IPL?

Sam Curran. In the IPL Auction 2023, he became the most expensive buy In history: bought by PBKS for Rs 18.5 Cr. 

What player played most finals in the IPL?

CSK captain MS Dhoni is the cricketer with also the most appearances in IPL Finals: 11 times. 10 times with the Super Kings and once with Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG) in 2017. 

What IPL captain has the Best Winning Ratio?

And no, it is not MS Dhoni. This is Rohit Sharma from Mumbai Indians: 55.06% winning percentage — 87 wins in 158 matches.