Why do top international players prioritize IPL?


IPL 2023 Winner

the IPL is the perfect storm of money, prestige, performance, and preparation—and top international players know it.

Here’s a breakdown of why the IPL often takes priority even for the biggest names in cricket 🌪️🏏💰:

💸 1. The Money Is Insane. Period.

One IPL season can earn a player more than an entire year of international cricket.

  • Top players earn ₹15–20 crore ($1.8–2.5 million) per season—for 2 months of work.

  • Add to that: brand endorsements, bonuses, and post-career marketing value.

For context: some players earn 10x more in IPL than in their national contracts.

🌎 2. Global Exposure & Fan Base Explosion

IPL is broadcast to over 100 countries with millions of viewers.

  • It puts you in the spotlight every night.

  • A big IPL performance = global recognition + social media following boost.

You're not just a cricketer—you become a brand.

🧠 3. High-Level T20 Education

Sharing dressing rooms with legends like Dhoni, Kohli, Rohit, Warner, Stokes, etc. = priceless learning.

  • Young stars get mentored by GOATs.

  • Even seniors get tactical insights from elite coaches and analysts.

It’s a cricketing MBA in 60 days.

🔍 4. Best T20 Platform in the World

Quality of competition > most bilateral series.

  • Every match is a pressure game.

  • You’re facing world-class bowlers and batters in different conditions.

If you can perform here, you can perform anywhere.

📆 5. Perfect T20 World Cup Prep

The IPL usually takes place just before T20 World Cups.

  • It’s the best way to tune up in match conditions.

  • You face potential World Cup opponents regularly.

National boards secretly love this prep time.

🔄 6. Workload Management Made Easier

IPL is intense—but short.

  • Many boards rest players from ODIs or Tests to keep them fresh for IPL.

  • It allows players to earn, perform, and recover before bigger tours or ICC events.

You can be match-fit without burnout.

🎯 7. Career Security Beyond National Team

Not every player can be a regular in the national XI.

  • For many fringe players, IPL = career salvation.

  • Even retired or sidelined internationals stay relevant via the IPL.

Players like David Wiese, Tim David, or Faf du Plessis revived their careers here.

🤝 8. Networking & Post-Retirement Benefits

Franchises are part of global T20 ecosystems now (MI, KKR, RR in SA20, ILT20, MLC etc.)

  • A good IPL stint can open doors to:

    • Coaching gigs

    • Brand deals

    • Commentary

    • Franchise leadership roles

IPL is not just about now—it’s about what comes after.

🧨 Final Take:

The IPL is a goldmine of money, opportunity, and cricketing glory. That’s why top international players treat it like the Super Bowl of T20 leagues—something you make time for, plan around, and never miss.

Want a comparison of IPL earnings vs national contracts for top players like Stokes, Cummins, or Rashid? Or a list of players who prioritized IPL over international duty? I’ve got receipts.