How BBL playoffs system is different from IPL & other T20 leagues?

Both IPL and BBL follow a similar four-team playoff system.

The Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26 has begun with a bang, with three thrilling finishes already in the opening week. With plenty of big names competing in this year’s competition including Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and more, action and entertainment is guaranteed.

Many regard the Australian league to be the best franchise event after the Indian Premier League (IPL). But what makes it unique, is its superb brodcasting, use of technology, and innovative designs for jerseys as opposed to the bland blue and red color jerseys sported by most IPL franchises.

While the IPL has expanded from eight to ten teams, the BBL continues as an eight team competition, albeit with a significant overhaul of its playoff structure. In today’s article, we explore how the playoff systems of the two most watched T20 leagues differ.

IPL playoff system

The top four teams qualify for the playoffs. Teams are ranked on the basis of points won. If two or more teams finish the group stage with equal number of points, then those with greater Net Run Rate advance.

The top two teams in the points table play each other in qualifier 1, while the third and fourth placed teams battle it out in the eliminator. The loser of the eliminator goes home.

Winner of the eliminator plays the loser of Q1 in Qualifer 2, with the winner of Q1 advancing directly to the finals. The title clash is ultimately a showdown between winner of Q1 and Q2.

BBL playoff system

BBL earlier followed a five-team series from 2019-2023, which was replaced by a system which mirrors IPL.

The top four teams qualify for the playoffs. Teams are ranked on the basis of points won. If two or more teams finish the group stage with equal number of points, then those with greater Net Run Rate advance.

The top two teams play each other in qualifier, while the third and fourth placed teams battle it out in the knockout. The loser of the knockout contest goes home.

Winner of the knockout plays the loser of qualifier in challenger. Finally, the winners of qualifier and challenger fight for the coveted trophy.

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