Indian Premier League (IPL)
Organised by Board of Control for Cricket in India · BCCI
Age Group
Open (18+)
Typical Dates
March–May each year
Format
Round-robin league followed by knockout semifinals and final
Prize Pool
₹20 Cr+ total prize purse; winner franchise receives ₹20 Cr
About This Tournament
The world's richest T20 franchise cricket league, organised by BCCI. Eight to ten city-based franchises compete in a round-robin followed by knockout playoffs every April–May. IPL contracts are the pinnacle of domestic cricketing ambition for Indian players.
Flagship Tournament: The top-tier event in this sport — results here directly influence national team selection and international qualification.
The Ranking Circuit
The BCCI domestic ladder has six distinct rungs. A child starts with district/school cricket, earns state selection for the Vijay Merchant Trophy (U-16 inter-zonal), then the Cooch Behar Trophy (U-19 inter-zonal) — the most famous junior event, attended by selectors who shortlist the India U-19 World Cup squad. After turning 19, the next tier is the Vinoo Mankad Trophy (U-25) and then the Ranji Trophy, India's premier first-class championship. Elite Ranji performers advance to the Duleep Trophy (India A/Zone teams) and Irani Cup, which directly precede national team selection. The IPL auction is the apex: franchises bid for players based primarily on their Ranji and India record. Only players with years of consistent domestic performance realistically enter the auction — there is no shortcut through the BCCI ladder.
At a Glance
Founded in 2007 by BCCI; inaugural season April 2008.
Professional Twenty20 (T20) cricket league.
Features ten city-based franchise teams (as of 2025/2026).
World's most commercially successful cricket league.
Held annually between March and May.
Max 25 players per squad, up to 8 overseas (4 in playing XI).
Important — Read Before Registering
- 1
Players must register for auction via their country's cricket board.
- 2
Domestic players need to be in the relevant state/Ranji Trophy pathway system.
- 3
Unjustified withdrawal after selection leads to a two-season ban.
- 4
U19/U16 players require prior first-class or List A match experience.
- 5
Overseas players missing mega auction are ineligible for next mini-auction.
Age Categories & Eligibility
Open (18+)
Age eligibility is determined by the player's age as of the cutoff date in the official tournament circular. Confirm exact dates on the BCCI website before registering.
How Players Are Selected
Players are selected by IPL franchises via annual auction or retention, based on scouting and performance in domestic (e.g., Ranji Trophy pathway) and international cricket. BCCI shortlists auction players. U19/U16 players need at least one first-class or List A match. Squads: 18-25 players, max 8 overseas.
Competition Format
Round-robin league followed by knockout semifinals and final
What this means for your child
Every team/player faces every other participant at least once, ensuring maximum competitive exposure and a fair overall ranking.
Cost & Awards
Entry Fee
No direct entry fees for players. Players are acquired via auction/retention and are paid a contracted salary plus INR 7.5 Lakhs match fee.
Prizes & Awards
Winner: ₹20 crore + IPL trophy. Runner-up: ₹12.5 crore. 3rd place: ₹7 crore. 4th place: ₹6.5 crore. Players also get medical protection, training, professional development, networking, and brand exposure.
Qualification Journey
The typical path a player follows to reach this tournament:
- 1
District cricket
- 2
Vijay Merchant Trophy (U-16)
- 3
Cooch Behar Trophy (U-19)
- 4
Vinoo Mankad Trophy (U-25)
- 5
Ranji Trophy
- 6
IPL Auction
This tournament
How to Enter — Step by Step
Follow these steps in order. Starting early gives your child a significant advantage — many entry slots fill quickly.
- 1
Build a strong domestic record in Ranji Trophy or other BCCI tournaments
- 2
Attract the attention of franchise scouts and coaches through consistent performances
- 3
Register with your State Cricket Association (SCA) to be eligible for BCCI selection pools
- 4
Go through the IPL Auction process — franchises bid for uncapped and capped players
- 5
Sign the franchise contract and participate in pre-season training camps
What Your Child Stands to Gain
Competing in Indian Premier League (IPL) creates measurable, lasting value — beyond the result on the day.
National team selection pool
Performance at national level places your child under direct observation by the Cricket national selectors. Top finishers are invited to national training camps and considered for international duty.
Official competition record
Every result in this tournament goes on your child's official Cricket record, which selectors and federation coaches reference during team announcements.
Exposure to higher-level competition
Competing against athletes from across the country — or state — builds both technical skill and mental resilience faster than any training camp.
International qualification gateway
Winning or reaching the final in flagship tournaments often satisfies the minimum performance standard required to represent India in Asian or World Championships.
Organising Federation
Board of Control for Cricket in India
BCCI is the national governing body for cricket in India, founded in 1928. It is the world's richest cricket board and administers all domestic and international cricket in India including Ranji Trophy, IPL, Duleep Trophy, and India's participation in ICC events.
Visit BCCI Official WebsiteCommon Questions from Parents
Does my child need prior federation registration to participate?
Yes. Your child must hold a valid BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) membership, obtained through your State Cricket Association. Without this, your child cannot be listed in the official draw. PowerMySport can handle this registration for you as part of our concierge service.
What age group does my child qualify for?
This is an Open (18+) event. Confirm your child's exact eligibility against the official age-cutoff date published in the tournament circular, available on the BCCI website.
What is the typical duration of this tournament?
The format is: Round-robin league followed by knockout semifinals and final. Depending on your child's progression and the number of entries in their category, plan for 3–7 days of competition. Families should book accommodation and travel with flexibility for knockout advancement.
What if my child doesn't qualify through the standard route?
State associations are allocated a fixed number of spots. If your child narrowly misses selection, two options remain: (1) apply directly to BCCI for a wildcard spot, which some editions offer to high-ranked players, or (2) focus on the next qualifying tournament in the cycle to build a stronger record. Our team at PowerMySport can advise on the specific appeals process.
Are there any costs beyond the entry fee?
No direct entry fees for players. Players are acquired via auction/retention and are paid a contracted salary plus INR 7.5 Lakhs match fee. Additionally, families are responsible for travel, accommodation, and meals unless otherwise stated in the official tournament circular.