Top 10 Biggest Cricket Franchises in the World
Cricket has evolved beyond just being a sport — it’s now a global entertainment powerhouse, and at the heart of this transformation are the major franchise teams that dominate leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
These franchises are not just popular for their on-field performance but are also massive commercial entities, boasting multi-million-dollar brand values, global fanbases, and star-studded lineups.
From India’s cricketing giants like Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to Pakistan’s beloved teams like Peshawar Zalmi, the competition among these cricketing powerhouses goes beyond the pitch.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 Biggest Cricket Franchises in the World based on their estimated brand value and global influence
| Rank | Team | Brand Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Karachi Kings | $23.6 million (approx) |
| 9 | Peshawar Zalmi | $40.5 million (approx) |
| 8 | Punjab Kings (PBKS) | $68 million (approx) |
| 7 | Delhi Capitals (DC) | $80 million (approx) |
| 6 | Rajasthan Royals (RR) | $81 million (approx) |
| 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | $85 million (approx) |
| 4 | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | $109 million (approx) |
| 3 | Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) | $117 million (approx) |
| 2 | Mumbai Indians (MI) | $119 million (approx) |
| 1 | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | $122 million (approx) |
#10. Karachi Kings
Karachi Kings is a professional Twenty20 cricket franchise based in Karachi, the capital city of Sindh, Pakistan. The team was formed in 2015 by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and competes in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Their home ground is the iconic National Stadium in Karachi.
Currently, the team is coached by Phil Simmons and captained by Australian cricketer David Warner. Karachi Kings secured their first PSL title during the fifth edition of the league (PSL V) by defeating their arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the final held on November 17, 2020.
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#9. Peshawar Zalmi
Peshawar Zalmi is a professional franchise Twenty20 cricket team based in Peshawar, the capital city of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan. The team competes in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and was established in 2015 following the launch of the inaugural PSL by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The team is owned by Javed Afridi. Peshawar Zalmi is captained by Babar Azam, one of Pakistan's top cricketers, and coached by Daren Sammy, the former West Indian cricketer. The name "Zalmi" translates to "youth" in Pashto, symbolizing the team's connection to the young, passionate cricket fans of Peshawar
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#8. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), is a professional franchise cricket team that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team is based in Mullanpur Garibdass, Mohali, Punjab. It is jointly owned by Mohit Burman, Ness Wadia, Preity Zinta, and Karan Paul.
PBKS plays its home matches at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, though they have also hosted games in Dharamshala and Indore since the 2010 season.
Despite being one of the original IPL franchises, their performance has been modest, with the team reaching the playoffs only twice—once in 2014 when they finished as runners-up, and another time beyond that.
#7. Delhi Capitals (DC)
Delhi Capitals is a professional franchise cricket team based in Delhi that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team is jointly owned by the GMR Group and JSW Sports. Originally part of the league since its inception in 2008, Delhi Capitals has evolved over the years into a competitive side in the IPL.
The IPL itself is a prominent T20 cricket league organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and supported by the International Cricket Council (ICC). During the inaugural season held in April–June 2008, Delhi was among the eight original franchises that participated in the league.
Over time, the franchise has rebranded, developed a strong squad, and built a dedicated fanbase, contributing to the league’s global popularity.
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#6. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
Rajasthan Royals (RR) is a professional franchise cricket team based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Established in 2008 as one of the league’s original eight franchises, the team is owned by Manoj Badale and The Royals Sports Group.
RR plays its home matches primarily at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, with additional games hosted at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.
Known for nurturing young talent and having a strong fan base, the Royals were the inaugural IPL champions in 2008.
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#5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) is a professional franchise cricket team based in Hyderabad, Telangana, India, competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team was founded in 2012 after the termination of the Deccan Chargers and is owned by Kalanithi Maran of the Sun Group.
SRH made their IPL debut in 2013 and had an impressive start by reaching the playoffs and finishing fourth. The franchise's most significant achievement came in the 2016 season when they won their first IPL title, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 8 runs in a thrilling final.
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#4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is a professional Twenty20 franchise cricket team that represents Kolkata in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team is co-owned by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, actress Juhi Chawla, and her husband Jay Mehta.
Their iconic home ground is Eden Gardens in Kolkata, one of the most historic cricket stadiums in the world. KKR gained widespread popularity not only because of their performance on the field but also due to their association with high-profile celebrity owners. The franchise made its first playoff appearance in 2011, marking a turning point in its IPL journey.
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#3. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), formerly known as Royal Challengers Bangalore, is a professional franchise cricket team based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The team competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and was founded in 2008 by United Spirits. It is currently managed by Prathamesh Mishra.
The team derives its name from the popular liquor brand "Royal Challenge." RCB plays its home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, known for its electric atmosphere. Despite not having won an IPL title yet, RCB is the most followed and popular cricket franchise, boasting over 18 million followers on Instagram, reflecting its massive fan base and appeal.
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#2. Mumbai Indians (MI)
Mumbai Indians (MI) is a professional T20 franchise cricket team based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, competing in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Founded in 2008, the team is owned by Reliance Industries, India's largest conglomerate, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Indiawin Sports.
Mumbai Indians play their home matches at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 33,108. The franchise is widely regarded as one of the most successful teams in IPL history, known for its strong performances, championship wins, and a legacy of grooming top cricketing talent.
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#1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) is a professional T20 cricket franchise based in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The team competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and was one of the original eight franchises when the league was established in 2008.
CSK is known for its strong fanbase and consistent performances in the IPL, having won multiple titles. The team plays its home matches at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, also known as Chepauk, which is located in Chennai. The franchise is owned by Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd, and it is widely regarded as one of the most successful and popular teams in IPL history.
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