By Zainab Shafiq 
Fifteen years ago, cricket was forever transformed with the birth of the Indian Premier League (IPL), a league that has captured the hearts of fans across the globe with its incredible drama and unforgettable moments. From Brendon McCullum’s historic 158* (73) in the inaugural match, to the rise of young talents like Ravindra Jadeja, the IPL has provided a platform for both established stars and up-and-coming players to showcase their skills on the biggest stage.
As the IPL marks its 15th anniversary, it has had a profound impact on the sport of cricket, revolutionizing the way the game is played and giving a golden ticket to countless young cricketers who have gone on to achieve incredible success at the highest levels of the sport. To celebrate this milestone, Star Sports, the official television broadcasters of IPL 2023, brought together some of the superstars of the marquee tournament to look back fondly on the countless memories and incredible achievements that have made the league a success.
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports ‘Stars on Star,’ India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja shared how his experiences in the IPL have differed over the years, from winning the inaugural IPL in 2008 with Rajasthan Royals to becoming a multiple-time IPL winner with Chennai Super Kings. Jadeja spoke about the emotional moment for his team in CSK after coming back following a two-year break, stating, “Winning the tournament after the comeback was something very special. CSK fans who waited for us and even supported the team in those 2 years even when we didn’t play, that gave us a lot of motivation.”
The IPL has become an integral part of the cricketing calendar, drawing in millions of fans and spectators from around the world. From the electrifying atmosphere in the stadiums to the fierce rivalries between the teams, the league continues to raise the bar each year, pushing the limits of what is possible and providing fans with unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri reminisced about the first day of the IPL, recalling that the amount of interest generated was unbelievable after India won the World Cup in 2007. He witnessed the entire nation united to come and watch the match, and the advertising industry, cricket fans, Bollywood, Kollywood, Tollywood, and more were there. The quality of cricket seen from the first game itself was unparalleled, making it a one-of-a-kind experience.
Shastri also spoke about what made the league one of the powerhouses of world cricket, emphasizing the quality of cricket and players that played a part in making it such a success. He mentioned that the final stamp on the IPL came when they went to South Africa and saw that the same interest existed there as it did in India, shocking the world. Teams were picked in a similar way to football, with fans of IPL having their teams within two years of the league’s inception.
Fifteen years since its inception, the IPL has become a global phenomenon, capturing the attention of cricket fans worldwide. It has given a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talents and has brought together some of the world’s best players, creating a league that has redefined the sport. As the league continues to evolve and push boundaries, fans can only anticipate more unforgettable moments in the years to come.