Five T20 Leagues That Are Growing Cricket Globally

Cricket has always had its strongholds in countries like India, Australia, and England, but in recent years, the rise of new cricket leagues across the globe is helping the game transcend borders. These tournaments are not only delivering world-class competition but also unlocking new markets, new fans, and new opportunities for the sport.

Here are five global T20 leagues making a big impact.

Major League Cricket (MLC), United States

Launched in 2023, Major League Cricket has brought professional cricket to America in a serious way. The inaugural season featured big names like Rashid Khan, Nicholas Pooran, and Faf du Plessis, with an average attendance of nearly 6,000 per match in Texas and North Carolina. Broadcast deals with Willow TV and global streaming platforms brought U.S. cricket to over 80 countries.

The U.S. is already set to co-host the 2024 T20 World Cup, and MLC has laid the foundation for sustainable fan growth and infrastructure development, making America one of cricket’s most exciting new frontiers.

SA20, South Africa

The SA20 League, launched in 2023 by Cricket South Africa and backed by IPL franchise owners, has rejuvenated South African cricket. The tournament averaged more than 10,000 fans per match in its debut season and delivered record TV viewership in the country.

With six franchises owned by IPL giants like the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, SA20 has created a powerful bridge between local talent and global cricket audiences. It’s a vital commercial boost for South African cricket, which struggled financially in the last decade.

Caribbean Premier League (CPL), West Indies

The CPL, now over a decade old, continues to be the heartbeat of Caribbean cricket. With stadiums in Trinidad, Guyana, and Jamaica often packed to capacity, it’s a carnival of cricket that mixes Caribbean culture with global T20 superstars.

In 2023, the CPL reported a TV and digital audience of over 650 million, making it one of the most-watched leagues outside the IPL. For young West Indian players, it’s also a proven launchpad to the global stage, with stars like Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer emerging from its system.

Lanka Premier League (LPL), Sri Lanka

The LPL is still young but has quickly become a crucial platform for Sri Lankan cricket. Despite Sri Lanka’s economic challenges, the 2023 edition attracted strong sponsorship and a worldwide audience through partnerships with Sony Sports and international streaming platforms.

Importantly, it’s giving Sri Lanka’s next generation, including players like Matheesha Pathirana (nicknamed “Baby Malinga”), a chance to play alongside and against global T20 stars, keeping the cricketing ecosystem strong.

Global T20 Canada

Canada may not be a traditional cricket powerhouse, but the Global T20 Canada has put North America firmly on the cricketing map since 2018. Featuring stars like Chris Gayle, Yuvraj Singh, and Shahid Afridi, the league has drawn crowds of 10,000+ per match in Toronto.

The tournament has helped Canada bid to host more ICC events while creating opportunities for local players to rub shoulders with legends. It’s proof that cricket’s appeal extends far beyond its traditional heartlands.

Beyond Watching: Fan Engagement Through Playing

While these cricket leagues bring fans into stadiums and onto digital platforms, technology is also making the game more accessible and playable than ever before. Companies like BatFast are part of this transformation.

BatFast’s cricket simulators allow anyone, whether in New York, Nairobi, or Nottingham, to step up and face realistic deliveries in a fun, gamified way. Just as global T20 leagues simplify and package cricket for new audiences, BatFast simplifies the act of playing, combining fan engagement with innovation.

Cricket’s growth story isn’t just about watching; it’s about participation. And together, leagues and technologies like BatFast are ensuring the game is not only seen but also played globally.

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FAQs

1. Which cricket leagues are growing fastest outside the IPL?
Leagues like Major League Cricket (USA), SA20 (South Africa), Caribbean Premier League, Lanka Premier League, and Global T20 Canada are showing rapid growth. They attract global stars, strong broadcast audiences, and increasing fan engagement in new markets.

2. Why are new cricket leagues important for global growth?
New cricket leagues are expanding the sport into non-traditional markets, creating opportunities for local talent, and attracting new fans. They also add commercial strength to national cricket boards and improve pathways for grassroots players.

3. How do T20 cricket leagues increase fan engagement?
T20 leagues offer short, high-energy matches, celebrity players, and entertainment experiences inside and outside stadiums. Many leagues also invest in digital content and interactive fan experiences to keep audiences connected beyond match day.

4. What role do cricket simulators play in growing the game?
A cricket simulator allows anyone to experience batting or bowling in a fun, gamified way. It breaks barriers such as weather, equipment, or lack of teammates, making the sport accessible for new fans and players globally.

5. How is BatFast supporting cricket’s global expansion?
BatFast’s simulators simplify cricket for beginners while offering realistic training for advanced players. Just as cricket leagues attract audiences to watch, BatFast drives participation by letting fans play, boosting long-term interest and engagement.