Which T20 tournament is the greatest?
T20 cricket shot to prominence during the early and mid 2000s. England and South Africa were the first two countries to have a tournament, featuring the format. Since then, many countries have created their own tournaments, in order to boost both revenue and unearth new cricketers. The best T20 leagues in world cricket contribute extremely well in those regards.
But, some are stronger than others, depending on various factors. In this article, we will be using three key points to decide the strongest T20 league in the world. These include the availability and strength of domestic players, the availability and strength of overseas stars and how much competition there is between franchises in the tournament.
So, which T20 league is the best in the world?
5. Caribbean Premier League
Availability & strength of domestic players = 8/10
The Caribbean Premier League has a strong set of domestic talent, including the likes of Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, both of whom are available during the entire tournament. Their domestic stars are also very good, considering that T20 Cricket is a prominent game in the Islands.
Availability and strength of overseas players = 6/10
There is a decent amount of talent in the CPL, in terms of overseas stars, but again it lacks the cutting edge that is required to elevate it to a top-level T20 League. Mohammad Nabi and Darren Sammy are two quality overseas stars, but there aren’t many above their skill set.
Franchise strength = 7/10
There have been three different winners of the CPL in the last five years, with the Trinbago Knight Riders, winning three of the titles. Therefore, it receives a 7/10 but could quite easily drop down to a 6/10 in the future.
Total Rating = 21/30
The Caribbean Premier League is number five on our list of “Top 5 best T20 leagues in the world.”
4. Natwest T20 Blast
Availability & strength of domestic players = 7/10
Depending on the scheduling, the availability and strength of domestic players is mixed. The likes of Alex Hales, Reece Topley, David Willey and Jason Roy all feature regularly for the blast but the Test match regulars don’t. There is solid domestic strength in England and so it receives a 7/10.
Availability and strength of overseas players = 6/10
There are usually only two overseas stars allowed in the Natwest T20 Blast and often these are not of the highest quality in every team. There are a number of those who are past their prime. The likes of Dan Christian and Imad Wasim are still relatively good.
Franchise strength = 9/10
There have been four different winners of the competition in the last five years. This means that there are multiple teams dominating a tournament and hence it receives a 9/10.
Total Rating = 22/30
The Natwest T20 Blast is number four on our list of “Top 5 best T20 leagues in the world.”
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3. Pakistan Super League
Availability & strength of domestic players = 8/10
All of the Pakistan stars play in the PSL and therefore, it has a rating of 10 in that regard. The likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam are available throughout the competition for their respective franchises. Those who don’t feature internationally anymore such as Shahid Afridi, also play the tournament. The strength of the domestic talent, though, is not as strong as it perhaps could be.
Availability and strength of overseas players = 6/10
The overseas stars featured in the PSL are good players but again not of the highest quality possible. A lot of those that play in the tournament are those in the fringes of their National Team or those who only play in T20 Leagues.
Franchise strength = 9/10
There have been four different winners in the last five years of the Pakistan Super League and therefore, it receives a rating of 9/10 in this regard.
Total Rating = 23/30
The Pakistan Super League is number three on our list of “Top 5 best T20 leagues in the world.”
2. Big Bash League
Availability and strength of domestic players = 7/10
Some of the key names are usually missing for a portion of the tournament because it clashes with the Australian Summer. The likes of Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon only play the second half of the tournament. However, the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis and Matthew Wade are pretty much available for most of it.
Availability and strength of overseas players = 7/10
There are only two overseas players allowed but those are usually high quality. The likes of Rashid Khan, Chris Morris and Andre Russell feature regularly in the Big Bash League. Quality over quantity as they say.
Franchise strength = 9/10
There have been four different winners in the last five seasons, which is as close as you would want to the league being very competitive. Also, most of the finals are close, meaning that there is real competition throughout.
Total Rating = 23/30
The Big Bash League is number two on our list of “Top 5 best T20 leagues in the world.”
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1. Indian Premier League
Availability and strength of domestic players = 10/10
All of the domestic players are available for selection in the Indian Premier League, including both those that play for the National Side and those that play in State and Ranji competitions. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli play the entirety of the tournament.
Availability and strength of overseas players = 9/10
Pretty much most of the top quality overseas players are able to play in the IPL. Such is the strength, that international boards choose not to schedule games during IPL season. Recently, Cricket South Africa announced that they would let the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Quinton De Kock feature in the IPL, despite the first few games clashing with a home series against Pakistan. The only downside would be that Pakistani cricketers are not allowed to play.
Franchise strength = 7/10
Three different franchises have won the IPL in the last five years. This means that there is relatively good competition, with a number of teams having squads capable enough of winning the tournament.
Total Rating = 26/30
The Indian Premier League is number one on our list of “Top 5 best T20 leagues in the world.”
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