Each IPL team has its own colours, its own fans and its own story. Here is a short guide to the ten franchises.
Mumbai Indians
Based in Mumbai, this is one of the most successful teams in the league’s history, known for building strong squads around a core of talented Indian players and for developing young stars.
Chennai Super Kings
From Chennai, this team is famous for loyalty, consistency and a large, devoted fan base. Its yellow shirts are among the most recognisable in the league.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Representing Bengaluru, this team has a huge following and is known for attacking batting and star players. It has been a fan favourite from the start.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Based in Kolkata, this franchise is known for its purple and gold colours, its passionate home crowd at Eden Gardens and its history of bold, imaginative team building.
Delhi Capitals
Representing the capital, this team has often given opportunities to young players and has a reputation for exciting, attacking cricket.
Punjab Kings
Based in Mohali, this team has a lively fan base and a history of entertaining, high-scoring games.
Rajasthan Royals
From Jaipur, this team won the very first IPL in 2008 with a squad of relatively unheralded players. It has remained known for spotting talent early.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Representing Hyderabad, this franchise is known for a strong bowling attack and for winning the title in 2016.
Gujarat Titans
Based in Ahmedabad, this franchise entered the league in 2022 and won the title in its first season, which was a remarkable start.
Lucknow Super Giants
Representing Lucknow, this team also joined in 2022 and has brought the league to a new city and new fans.
Teams of the past
Other teams have come and gone. Deccan Chargers, from Hyderabad, won the title in 2009. Kochi Tuskers Kerala played one season. Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two seasons, and Gujarat and Pune also had teams in the league at different times.
Choosing a team
If you are new to the IPL, pick the team that speaks to you. It might be your home city, a favourite player or just a colour you like. The fun of the league comes from belonging, and every fan has a story of how they chose their team.