Indian Premier League teams and their English Premier League equivalents

There is no doubt that India is one of the biggest consumers of sports both locally and internationally. When it comes to cricket, there is no bigger league than the Indian Premier League (IPL). Ever since its inception in 2008, the league has expanded to ten teams and has seen some of the biggest names take part in the tournament. 

Indian sporting fans are also huge consumers of one of the biggest Football leagues, the English Premier League (EPL), which enjoys unprecedented views worldwide. The fast-paced nature of the matches and the high thrill and excitement of the 38-game league keep fans on the edge of their seat. Over the last few years, both IPL and EPL have seen tremendous growth in viewership on TV. 

Here we cast a closer look at the IPL teams and their equivalents in the EPL

10- Punjab Kings (IPL) – West Ham United (EPL)

Punjab Kings have been one of the biggest spenders in the IPL Auction. During the course of the IPL season, PBKS start strong but have a tendency to fizzle mid-season. West Ham United, just like Punjab Kings, begin the season on a strong note, especially in front of their fans at home. Over the last few seasons, the Hammers have shown inconsistent form, pushing closer to the relegation zone. 

9- Delhi Capitals (IPL) – Fulham FC (EPL)

When we speak about big spending teams ahead of the IPL season, one doesn’t have to look further than Delhi Capitals. In the previous 17 seasons, the Capitals have finished by being the runners-up just once and have been a mid-table team at best. Fulham FC, owned by Shad Khan, is an EPL team that is similar to an IPL team as they are a mid-table side with occasional brilliance. Just like DC, the cottagers are yet to win their domestic league title. 

8. Lucknow Super Giants (IPL) – Aston Villa (EPL)

In terms of cricket and football team similarities, one cannot separate Lucknow Super Giants from Aston Villa. Ever since their IPL arrival in 2022, LSG have made the playoffs twice and missed out on a top-four spot in 2024. Aston Villa have become one of the big five teams in the EPL under Unai Emery and also played the Champions League this year. 

7. Gujarat Titans (IPL) – Newcastle United (EPL)

Former IPL winners Gujarat Titans are one of the highly invested teams ever since their debut in 2022. GT made an immediate impact by winning the IPL title in 2022. Newcastle United have been on the rise ever since they received investments from the Middle East. The Magpies recently beat Liverpool to win the Carabao Cup, along with the investments they are making, an assault on the EPL title isn’t far off. 

6. Rajasthan Royals (IPL) – Arsenal (EPL)

Former IPL winners Rajasthan Royals and EPL winners Arsenal have a lot of uncanny similarities. The two sides have won league titles followed by prolonged failures, which have seen several changes being instituted. Over the last few years, RR and Arsenal have yet again found a magic touch and have been right in the mix as far as domestic titles are concerned. 

5. Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL) – Chelsea (EPL)

Two heavyweight sides who have dominated their respective leagues in their heydays and also seen a huge fall in form. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chelsea have been among the strongest sides in their respective leagues. Chelsea are multiple-time EPL winners, while SRH won the IPL title in 2016 and have one of the best sides under Pat Cummins. As far as cricket and football similarities, SRH and the Blues seem to be cut from the same cloth in terms of highs and lows. 

4. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (IPL) – Tottenham Hotspur (EPL)

When we talk about one of the most loved IPL teams, there is no doubt that RCB takes the cake. Their football equivalents are none other than Tottenham Hotspur, who enjoy a massive fan following in London and are considered one of the biggest clubs. Despite the massive fan following and regular high investments, both sides are yet to win the domestic league. 

3. Kolkata Knight Riders (IPL) – Liverpool (EPL)

Current IPL winners Kolkata Knight Riders and soon-to-be EPL champions Liverpool have a lot in common. During their heydays, they ruled the roost, and once they lost their touch, they had to fight hard to stay relevant. Both teams made a dramatic comeback against all odds to win their league title. While KKR had to wait a decade to win their third IPL title, Liverpool had to wait decades to win their first English league title. Even the fan base is rabid as both get behind their team when the chips are down.

2. Mumbai Indians (MI) – Manchester United (EPL)

Two former champions with global appeal and massive fandom, and legendary stars. Cricket and Football similarities couldn’t have been more uncanny when we speak about the Mumbai Indians and Manchester United. The two sides had been championship-winning outfits at one stage. Over the last few years, both MI and MUFC have found it tough to maintain their spot in the upper echelons of their respective leagues. 

1. Chennai Super Kings (IPL) – Manchester City (EPL)

Finally, the biggest cricket and football team similarities can be seen with the success that Chennai Super Kings and Manchester City have had. Chennai have multiple IPL titles, Man City, on the other hand, have won the EPL for the last few years. MS Dhoni for CSK and Pep Guardiola for Man City are always been credited as the brains behind the success of their clubs. Both sides are known as consistent champions who can evolve out of adversity and put out their best performances.