Back in 1995, Lalit Modi proposed a 50-over format cricket tournament to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) but the proposal was turned down by the board members. But who knows at that time that this rejected project will become a gigantic milestone for Indian Cricket.
With fans from all around the world tuning in to watch the event, the IPL has become the most discussed cricket league on the planet. It is the only cricket competition in which active Indian players compete against international stars. Many players have utilised this platform to showcase their abilities to the cricket world over the years.
With the opening of the IPL season in India, the cricket fever has reached new heights. So far, the IPL, which is now in its 14th season, has seen some amazing moments and historic achievements. Hundreds of thousands of players have sought to impress and distinguish themselves as T20 players in recent IPL seasons, but only a few have succeeded to rule the rankings.
While the IPL has amassed a large following over the previous 13 years, there are a few lesser-known facts that many people are unaware of.
1. The Most Valuable Player Award has only been earned by two Indians
The IPL’s primary purpose was to promote Indian indigenous cricket. Foreign players, on the other hand, have been more dominating in the league, with only Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar winning the MVP of the Season title.
2. RCB is the first team in IPL history to score more than 250 and fewer than 50 runs in a single innings
Royal Challengers Bangalore has never won the IPL title, but it does have an odd record in the competition. In a single IPL inning, RCB is the only team to record a 250+ total and score less than 50 runs.
3. For 386 overs, Piyush Chawla didn’t bowl a no-ball
Piyush Chawla, an IPL legend, is an Indian leg-spinner. This year, he will play for CSK in the IPL, and his franchise will be pleased with his performance of not bowling a single no-ball in 386 overs.
4. The extraordinary accomplishment of 100 matches by AB de Villiers and Kieron Pollard
AB de Villiers started his IPL career with Delhi, but he now plays with RCB. Kieron Pollard has also spent a significant amount of time with MI. Both players are the only foreigners to have appeared in 100 matches for a single squad.
5. One ball cost Star Sports ₹ 21 lakhs
According to a source, Star Sports paid INR 21 lakhs for telecasting one ball of IPL in the previous two seasons, despite having spent INR 16347.5 million for the rights.
6. Virat Kohli is involved in three partnerships totalling more than 200 runs
Virat Kohli, the former captain of RCB, not only has the most runs in IPL history, but he is also the only batsman to be a part of three 200-plus partnerships in the tournament, one with Gayle and two with de Villiers.
7. In the IPL, Harbhajan Singh has the most ducks
Harbhajan Singh, the former Chennai Super Kings’ off-spin bowler, has 13 ducks in his 12-year IPL career. The bulk has come out from his previous team, the Mumbai Indians.
