Abstract

The Indian Premier League (IPL), introduced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2008, has established itself as the world’s most popular cricket league and plays a significant role in advancing India’s dominance in world cricket. As with other global sport leagues, rivalry between teams has been a driver of fan attention, yet there has been scant academic inquiry toward understanding IPL rivalries. This study explores the characteristics of IPL rivalries through a survey of 844 fans. The study notes intense rivalries between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and CSK. The primary drivers of these rivalries are the notable players, followed by the frequency of play, defining moments, and relative dominance. The study’s findings provide policy implications for league administrators and commercial implications for franchises, media partners, and sponsors.