The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most prominent and lucrative Twenty20 (T20) cricket leagues in the world. Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has revolutionized the landscape of cricket by blending sports, entertainment, and commerce. This summary provides an overview of the IPL's history, structure, notable performances, controversies, and its impact on cricket and beyond. History and Formation The IPL was launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2008, inspired by the success of domestic T20 leagues like the English T20 Cup and the now-defunct Indian Cricket League (ICL). Lalit Modi, the then Vice-President of BCCI, played a crucial role in conceptualizing and launching the league. The inaugural season kicked off in April 2008 with eight franchises representing different cities in India. Structure and Format The IPL follows a franchise-based model, where teams are owned by a mix of corporations, Bollywood stars, and other high-profile individuals. The league originally started with eight teams, although the number has fluctuated over the years due to various reasons including expansions and terminations. As of the latest seasons, the IPL features ten teams. The tournament format includes a double round-robin stage, where each team plays the others twice, followed by playoffs. The top four teams from the round-robin stage qualify for the playoffs, which consist of two qualifiers, an eliminator, and the final. This format ensures a highly competitive and engaging tournament, culminating in a grand finale to crown the champion. Teams and Their Evolution The founding teams of the IPL were: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Mumbai Indians (MI) Rajasthan Royals (RR) Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Deccan Chargers (now defunct, replaced by Sunrisers Hyderabad) Over the years, the league has seen new teams such as Pune Warriors India, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Gujarat Lions, and Rising Pune Supergiant. The most recent additions are the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, introduced in the 2022 season. Iconic Players and Performances The IPL has attracted the best talent from around the world, with numerous iconic players making significant contributions. Some of the standout performers include: Sachin Tendulkar (MI): The "Little Master" brought his legendary status to the IPL, winning the Orange Cap (top run-scorer) in 2010. Chris Gayle (RCB, KXIP): Known for his explosive batting, Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score in an IPL match (175*). MS Dhoni (CSK): Dhoni's leadership has been instrumental in CSK's success, leading them to multiple titles. AB de Villiers (RCB): Renowned for his innovative stroke play, de Villiers has been a consistent match-winner. Virat Kohli (RCB): The highest run-scorer in IPL history, Kohli's batting prowess is unmatched. La