IPL Facts – Check Out some interesting facts about Indian Premier League
Published on: Feb 4, 2023 12:31 am IST|Updated on: Feb 15, 2023 1:20 pm IST
IPL Facts: The 2023 edition of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) is about to kickstart in a couple of months. To celebrate the fervor surrounding the IPL, we have dug up some of the most fascinating and little-known facts about the league that will leave even the most die-hard fans amazed. The IPL has been captivating audiences since its inception in 2008 and continues to enthrall fans with its brand of high-octane cricket. In one such match that has gone down in IPL history, New Zealand opener Brendon McCullum stole the show with his stunning 158 runs off just 73 deliveries. He struck an impressive 13 sixes and 10 boundaries, taking Kolkata Knight Riders’ score to 222/3 and making it a match to remember.
IPL Facts – Check Out some interesting facts about Indian Premier League
1. Most Valuable Player Award in 12 Seasons of IPL
Surprisingly, only two Indian players have ever received the Most Valuable Player award in the history of this competition. Sachin Tendulkar was the first Indian player to win the award in the third season of the IPL, where he scored 618 runs for Mumbai Indians. He also won the Orange Cap for the tournament. The second Indian player to win the MVP award was Virat Kohli, who received it in the eighth season of the IPL, where he scored a remarkable 973 runs. Although Robin Uthappa won the Orange Cap in 2014, he was not awarded the MVP of the season, which went to Glenn Maxwell.
2. IPL Could Have Been A One Day Tournament
This is one of the most lucrative IPL Facts. The Indian Premier League, which has become one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world, had its roots in an idea pitched by Lalit Modi back in 1995. Modi’s original proposal was for a 50-over (One Day format) tournament, but it was rejected by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It wasn’t until the launch of the Indian Cricket League (ICL) by Zee in 2007 that the BCCI decided to start its own Twenty20 league.
If Modi’s original proposal had been accepted, the IPL would have been a completely different tournament. Fans would have experienced fewer matches and there would have likely been fewer franchises involved. This serves as a reminder of the impact that a single decision can have on the future of a sport and how it is perceived by fans around the world.
3. No no-ball for 386 overs
Piyush Chawla is a talented leg-spinner who has been overlooked in Indian cricket history. Despite this, he holds a remarkable record that showcases his impressive discipline and control on the field. During his stint with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League, Chawla bowled an incredible 386 consecutive overs without delivering a single no-ball. This feat is a testament to his unwavering focus and exceptional technique, which he maintained consistently for eight years, making him one of the most disciplined bowlers in the history of the game.
4. Only two overseas players have played more than 100 matches for a single team
The Indian Premier League, one of the most exciting T20 tournaments, has been an integral part of the cricketing world for over a decade now. With the tournament evolving, many players have changed teams over the years, but there are two players who have played over 100 matches for one team which is a really surprising of the IPL facts. Kieron Pollard and AB de Villiers are the only two players in IPL history who have achieved this feat. AB de Villiers made his IPL debut for Delhi but since 2011, he has been a loyal player for Royal Challengers Bangalore, playing 101 matches for the team. On the other hand, Kieron Pollard made his IPL debut for Mumbai Indians in 2010, and since then, he has been an integral part of the team, playing 123 matches. These players’ loyalty to their respective teams showcases the bond they share with the franchises and their dedication towards the sport.
5. RCB holds the record for the highest and the lowest total in IPL history
Royal Challengers Bangalore, known for their powerful batting line-up, holds a unique record in the Indian Premier League. They boast both the highest and the lowest total scored by a team in the tournament. In the 2013 IPL, RCB made an incredible 263/5 against Pune Warriors, with Chris Gayle delivering an unbeaten 175 runs. However, four years later in the 2017 IPL, they faced a complete opposite result when they were dismissed by Kolkata Knight Riders for a mere 49 runs, with Kedar Jadhav being their top scorer in that innings. This showcases the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and the potential of Royal Challengers Bangalore as a team.