The Indian Premier League began in 2008 as a professional Twenty20 franchise competition run by the BCCI. It grew from its original team line-up into one of the most followed domestic T20 leagues, with season-long league matches, playoffs, auction cycles and individual awards.
How the IPL Started
The inaugural season was held in 2008. Rajasthan Royals won the first title after defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final. The opening match is also remembered for Brendon McCullum's 158 not out for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (then known as Royal Challengers Bangalore), an innings that helped put the new competition in the spotlight.
Major IPL Milestones
| Season or period | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2008 | The inaugural IPL season was held; Rajasthan Royals became the first champions. |
| 2010–2011 | Chennai Super Kings won consecutive titles, becoming the first franchise to retain the trophy across seasons. |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad won their first IPL title. |
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants joined the competition, bringing the league to ten teams. |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings won their fifth title, drawing level with Mumbai Indians at the time. |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders won their third title. |
| 2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first IPL title. |
| 2026 | RCB defeated Gujarat Titans in the final and became back-to-back champions. |
How the Tournament Format Evolved
The number of franchises and the league-stage schedule have changed in different periods. Teams have been added, renamed, suspended or replaced, and current franchise names do not always match names used in older scorecards. For comparisons across years, check the season in which a result occurred rather than applying today's team names to every historical row.
The contemporary competition includes a league stage followed by a four-team playoff system. Read the IPL rules and format guide and points system and playoff guide to understand how teams progress to the final.
IPL Champions and Records
See the complete IPL winners list from 2008 to 2026 for season-by-season champions and runners-up. The IPL teams list summarises the ten current franchises, while the Orange Cap and Purple Cap archives cover individual season awards.
What to Keep in Mind When Reading IPL History
IPL records are date-sensitive. Career totals can change every season, player names and franchise identities can vary across a career, and auction or playing-condition rules may change. This page summarises major milestones through the completed 2026 season; use the linked records pages and official match reports for individual results.
Sources and Further Reading
Explore More IPL Guides
Continue with the IPL guide hub, IPL winners list, or IPL teams list to explore related IPL topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the IPL start?
The first Indian Premier League season was held in 2008.
Who won the first IPL?
Rajasthan Royals won the inaugural IPL season in 2008, defeating Chennai Super Kings in the final.
Who won IPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the 2026 final and retained the title.