Is IPL cricket a major sport? The introduction of the IPL cricket has helped popularise T20 cricket in countries where cricket is not a major sport, with the Big Bash League (BBL) in Australia a prime example. The NBA and the English Premier League may have crossed the line, but they have struggled to find resonance and create much connection. But, while there have been some notable successes, and some have done extremely well over the years, the IPL cricket remains the gold standard in India.