The Indian Premier League, one of the biggest T20 leagues in the world, recently faced an unusual legal challenge in the Kerala High Court over its name.
A petitioner, Ashique Kaorth, filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) questioning the use of the word "Indian" in the league's title, arguing that the tournament is not an official government-run event. The petition accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of misusing the term. However, the court dismissed the plea.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M observed that the IPL has been running successfully in India for nearly 18 years, and raising such concerns after so many years lacked merit.
"We find no merit in the substance of the said argument, and hence, we do not feel that it would be proper to keep this writ petition as a public interest litigation (PIL)," the bench stated.
The IPL had its inaugural season in 2008. They first started with eight teams but soon rose to global prominence by attracting top international and Indian players. Over the years, it has expanded into a 10-team tournament and become one of the most-watched sporting leagues worldwide.
The inaugural season was won by Rajasthan Royals, who defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final. Since then, Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have dominated the league, with five titles each.
In 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ended their long wait, winning their maiden IPL title after 17 years. They are set to begin their title defence on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, a separate issue regarding the venue was also resolved recently, as the Karnataka High Court allowed RCB to continue using their home ground after months of uncertainty following last year's stapmpede.
IPL All-Time Winners List
| Season | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Punjab Kings |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2023 | Chennai Super Kings | Gujarat Titans |
| 2022 | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals |
| 2021 | Chennai Super Kings | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 2020 | Mumbai Indians | Delhi Capitals |
| 2019 | Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2018 | Chennai Super Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2017 | Mumbai Indians | Rising Pune Supergiant |
| 2016 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| 2015 | Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2014 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kings XI Punjab |
| 2013 | Mumbai Indians | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2012 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Chennai Super Kings |
| 2011 | Chennai Super Kings | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| 2010 | Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai Indians |
| 2009 | Deccan Chargers | Royal Challengers Bangalore |
| 2008 | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings |
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