How many teams have played in IPL so far?

The phenomenon that is Indian Premier League started running its wave in the year 2008 and it got only better as the seasons progressed. Now into its 17^th edition, the level of anticipation and excitement remains the same as it was in the inaugural edition.

It has remained the number uno T20 league globally even though many similar T20 competition being played at different parts of the world. One of the main reasons for the continued growth and success of IPL is the popularity of the teams & its players.

Over the 17 glorious years of IPL, we have seen 15 different franchises based out of 13 different cities playing at least a season. In the ongoing 2024 edition, the number of teams participating is 10.

First pack of teams (2008-2010)

At the inception of IPL back in 2008, the tournament was originally played among the 8 teams having their base out of 8 prominent Indian states. They are namely, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Daredevils (DD), Deccan Chargers (DC), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). 

These are the 8 teams that featured in the inaugural and all, but Deccan Chargers continue to entertain us even in the ongoing 17^th edition.

Expansion and terminations in IPL (2011-2013)

After 3 successful editions of IPL, the league expanded by adding 2 more teams namely Pune Warriors India (PWI), and Kochi Tuskers Kerala (KTK) based out of Pune and Kerala respectively. It was supposed to be a 10-team IPL from 2011 season but that was short-lived as Kochi Tuskers were terminated after their debut season.

2012 & 2013 editions saw IPL taking place with 9 teams, but it wasn’t devoid of controversy either. Post 2012, the contract of Deccan Chargers was terminated, and the Hyderabad city got their new IPL team in Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) which is still functional. They took part in the 2013 season and after the IPL ended, PWI withdrew from the league, reverting it back to a 8-team tournament.

Back to original (2014-2015)

After all this drama, IPL was back to its original shape with the difference being Sunrisers Hyderabad taking the place of Deccan Chargers. For the next 2 editions, IPL was played amongst these 8 sides before another major overhaul took place.

Suspensions and additions (2016-2017)

Controversies were always part of the IPL right through but it peaked post the 2015 season. Thanks to their alleged involvement in the spot fixing and betting scandals, the former champions CSK and RR were suspended for a period of 2 years from playing the league and were replaced by Rising Pune Supergiant(s) and Gujarat Lions (GT).

While RPSG was the second team to have played based on Pune City, Rajkot was home to GL franchise. They joined the 6 other teams for next 2 seasons before the suspended teams taking their places back.

Reinstation of CSK and RR (2018 – 2021)

With the suspension time from the league over, CSK and RR came back to replace the RPSG and GT franchises in the IPL. The league continued to be played with the original set of teams – Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Daredevils (DD), Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the next 4 years amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Another expansion (2022-Present)

With the growing success of the league, the BCCI once again took a decision to expand IPL further by adding 2 more teams to the existing 8 post 2021 edition. The former owners of RPSG franchise got their own team in the form of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) based out of Lucknow city, while Gujarat Titans (GT) represented Ahmedabad.

The 10 teams have since played in the following 3 editions on a home and away basis.

Explained: Format used in IPL

Name changes of franchises

In the middle of many changes to the set up of IPL over the years, there have changes to the names of more than 1 franchise.

After their inaugural edition in 2016, Rising Pune Super Giants were renamed Rising Pune Super Giant.

In February 2021, Kings XI Punjab were rechristened Punjab Kings (PBKS) following Delhi Capitals (DC) who dropped their original name Delhi Daredevils in December 2018.

Before the 2024 season began, RCB is now called Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Defunct Teams:

Kochi Tusker Kerala (KTK), Deccan Chargers (DC), Pune Warriors India (PWI), Rising Pune Super Giants (RPSG), and Gujarat Lions (GT)

Current teams in IPL:

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Delhi Capitals (DC), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Royal Challengers Bangaluru (RCB), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Gujarat Titans (GT).