Price of ball used in IPL: All you need to know

The Indian Premier League (IPL), though a cash-rich extravaganza, never compromises on the products and utilities required to play a high-octane cricket game. Though the T20 format in which the tournament is played is often called a game of batters, the high-quality ball plays an equal role in determining the match’s result. 

The price of an IPL cricket ball typically varies based on its quality and manufacturing costs. A single Kookaburra ball used in the IPL costs approximately ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 ($140 to $180).

In a high-stakes tournament like the IPL, where every delivery can have a big impact, the quality, durability, and cost of the ball become highly essential factors. This makes the fans usually wonder about two things – firstly, the price of the ball used in IPL and secondly what makes it different from other regular balls that are being used to play the game.

In the blog, we will break down every detail that you need to know about the white leather balls used in IPL – their price, specifications, and why they are a significant part of the game. 

Why are there only white balls in T20 cricket?

Let me provide you with a very simple and general clarification on this peculiar question. Unlike the red balls that are used in Test cricket, the white balls usually offer better visibility under the floodlights and are designed to retain their hardness for a shot time, making them an ideal fit for limited over cricket formats like the One Day International (ODI) and T20 cricket. 

What type of ball is used in the IPL?

Even though almost every cricket game in India is played using SG balls, IPL exclusively uses the white Kookabura balls, which are also used in limited overs international matches, particularly in the International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments.

A renowned Australian brand, Kookaburra is one of the widely recognised cricket ball manufacturers around the globe, supplying balls for various international and domestic cricket tournaments, including the IPL. 

What is the price of the ball used in IPL?

The IPL ball cricket price generally varies depending on its quality and manufacturing costs. A single Kookaburra ball used in the IPL costs around ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 ($140 to $180). 

Because multiple balls are used in a game due to wear, tear, and brutal hitting, the total expenditure on balls for a single IPL season runs into lakhs of rupees. 

Here are some of the crucial reasons why the balls used in IPL are highly expensive: 

Premium quality of leather –

Made from high-quality alum-tanned leather, Kookaburra’s balls ensure durability and consistent performance. These balls are highly acknowledged for their consistent seam and bounce, which are needed to facilitate a high-scoring game. 

Durability –

Unlike the other cricket balls, Kookaburra’s balls tend to remain in a stable condition for longer during matches,  which gives players an edge for better performances.

Hand-stitched and strict quality control –

While each ball undergoes careful hand-stitching for extra seam strength, Kookaburra ensures that every ball meets the defined standards before being used in professional games.

How many balls are used in a single IPL match, and why?

An IPL fixture does not rely on just a single ball throughout the game. On average, around six to ten balls come into use during a single game. While a new single ball is introduced at the start of each inning, multiple factors play their roles behind the ball replacements during the game. 

Ball degradation due to power hitting –

IPL is well-known for its aggressive batting, with batters going for big hits. This sort of batting sometimes results in scuffing and damage of the leather and causes it to lose its shape, necessitating a replacement if needed. 

Ball lost in the stands or outside the ground –

When a ball is hit deep into the audience, it becomes quite difficult to retrieve it quickly. Moreover, in venues like the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru) and Brebourne Stadium (Mumbai) that have shorter boundaries, power-packed hits sometimes send the ball completely out of the stadium’s arena. In such cases, Umpires usually opt for a new or used ball from the reserved set. However, they replace it with a ball of the same condition to ensure the fairness of the game.

Impact of dew on the ball’s condition –

When we mention cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, where the humidity level stays relatively high, the dew-factor plays a crucial role, particularly in evening games.

These ultimately affect the bowlers’ grip on the ball, reducing the swing and making it harder to control the excessive spin. Additionally, wet balls usually become heavier and more challenging for fielders to collect and throw the ball. Umpires take the call to change the ball if a team constantly struggles to maintain its usability.

While 6-10 balls are used in a single game, the total number of balls for a 74-game season could probably exceed 500-700, making the overall ball expenditure a considerable factor for the IPL management.  

So, for the next time you see umpires bringing a new ball into play, you will know exactly why this is happening.  

Are the Kookaburra balls good enough for the IPL?

Though the usage of Kookaburra balls in the world’s biggest cricket league tells us about the organizer’s commitment to maintaining the level of high-quality cricket, stalwarts and avid game readers like Ravichandran Ashwin have time to time raised their voice on the quality of Kookaburra balls used in IPL compared to those used in ICC events. 

He has often pointed out how the IPL balls lose their seam and shape quickly, affecting both spinners and pacers. This prominent factor gives birth to a question: Should BCCI demand better-quality balls for IPL? 

Given the significant price of the ball, it is expected to deliver top-tier durability and performance. While other factors like dew, big hits, and disappearance became quite understandable, the contrast between the standards of an IPL ball and an ICC match ball has become a talking point for quite a long time. Now, as we head toward IPL 2025, the excitement regarding the ball and everything else remains palpable.