IPL Cricket Ball Explained: Brand, Color, Weight & Features

The IPL is one of the most exciting cricket leagues in the world. Fans love big sixes, fast scoring, and close finishes. However, the cricket ball used in IPL games plays a crucial role.

The ball affects how far the ball goes, how much it swings, and how spinners can turn it. Even things like night matches and high scores depend on how the ball behaves.

The IPL cricket ball is made to perform well for the short T20 format. It helps make the game fair and exciting for both batsmen and bowlers. Many fans also ask about the IPL Cricket Ball Price 2026, which varies depending on the official brand and quality.

In this guide, you will learn:

Which brand makes the IPL ball
Its color and why it is used
The weight and size of the ball
Key features that affect batting and bowling

Whether you are a new fan or watch every IPL match, this guide will help you understand the IPL ball better.

Which Brand Makes the Official IPL Cricket Ball?

The official cricket ball used in the IPL is made by Kookaburra, a well-known company from Australia. Kookaburra balls are also used in international cricket, especially in Tests and T20s in many countries.

The IPL chooses Kookaburra because their balls are high quality and consistent. Every ball is checked carefully to make sure it is the same weight, size, and shape. This is important because a small difference can change how the ball swings or bounces.

Kookaburra has been making cricket balls for many years, and their balls are trusted by players all over the world. Using a reliable brand ensures that bowlers and batsmen can perform at their best during every IPL match.

What Color Is the IPL Cricket Ball and Why?

The IPL cricket ball is red. You might wonder why they don’t use a white ball like in other T20 matches. The red ball is traditional and gives a better bounce and swing, which makes the game more exciting.

Red balls are easier for bowlers to control, and batsmen have to be more careful while hitting. The color also helps players see the ball clearly under daylight and stadium lights, especially during night matches.

Some people think night T20 games always use white balls, but in the IPL, the red Kookaburra ball is made to handle night conditions well. It stays shiny for a long time and helps both batsmen and bowlers perform better.

Weight and Size of the IPL Cricket Ball

The IPL cricket ball has a standard weight to make sure the game is fair.

Weight: Around 156–163 grams (same as international cricket)
Circumference: About 22.4–22.9 cm
Diameter: Roughly 7–7.3 cm

This means every ball feels the same for bowlers and batsmen. A ball that is too heavy or too light can change how it swings, bounces, or is hit for sixes.

Consistency in weight and size is very important in IPL because every run, wicket, and catch can decide the game. Kookaburra makes sure each ball meets these standards before it is used in a match.

Material Used in the IPL Cricket Ball

The IPL cricket ball is made from high-quality leather on the outside and a cork and string core inside.

Leather Cover: Gives the ball its shine and helps it swing in the air.
Cork Core: Makes the ball bounce properly and keeps it firm.
Stitching/Seam: The seam is strong and visible, helping bowlers grip the ball and spin it.

All these materials make the ball durable and playable for a full T20 match. The leather also helps the ball retain its shape and shine, so it works well for both batting and bowling throughout the game.

Key Features of the IPL Cricket Ball

The IPL cricket ball has some special features that make the game exciting:

Swing: The ball can swing in the air, helping fast bowlers take wickets.
Seam: The raised seam helps bowlers spin and swing the ball more accurately.
Shine: The leather stays shiny, which keeps the ball moving in the air longer.
Bounce: The ball bounces well on Indian pitches, helping both bowlers and batsmen.
Durability: It lasts for the full 20 overs, so the game stays fair.

These features make the IPL ball different from regular cricket balls. Bowlers can use the seam and shine to their advantage, while batsmen need skill to hit it for big runs.

How the IPL Ball Affects Batting

The IPL cricket ball can make batting both fun and challenging.

High Scores: The ball is designed to bounce well, so batsmen can hit big shots and score quickly.
Timing Matters: Even though it’s easier to hit, batsmen still need good timing to clear the boundary.
Sixes and Fours: The smooth leather helps the ball travel far when struck properly.
Night Matches: The ball’s shine and color help batsmen see it clearly under lights.
Dew Factor: In some stadiums, early evening dew can make the ball slippery, which affects how batsmen handle it.

Overall, the IPL ball gives batsmen a chance to play aggressive cricket, but they still need focus and skill to score consistently.

How the IPL Ball Affects Bowling

The IPL cricket ball can be tricky for bowlers, especially in T20 matches:

Fast Bowlers: The ball swings less after a few overs, so they need good speed and accuracy to take wickets.
Spinners: The visible seam and leather grip help spinners turn the ball and confuse batsmen.
Reverse Swing: Only very experienced fast bowlers can make the ball swing the other way later in the game.
Control: Bowlers must be careful with line and length because the ball can be hit far if not bowled correctly.
Dew Factor: In night matches, dew can make the ball slippery, making it harder to grip and bowl accurately.

The IPL ball challenges bowlers, but it also makes the game exciting, as every over can change the match.

IPL Ball vs International Cricket Ball

The IPL cricket ball is similar to international balls but has a few differences:

Brand & Quality: IPL uses Kookaburra balls, which are also used in international T20s.
Swing and Seam: The IPL ball swings less than Test match balls, but the seam is perfect for spin bowlers.
Shine and Durability: IPL balls are designed to stay shiny and last all 20 overs. Test balls may lose shine slower because they are used over many days.
Bounce: The IPL ball is made to bounce well on Indian pitches, making the game fast and high-scoring.
Player Experience: Many players say IPL balls feel slightly harder and faster than international white balls, which changes how batsmen and bowlers play.

In short, the IPL ball is made to suit short, aggressive T20 cricket, while international balls are made for different formats like Tests and ODIs.

Common Myths About the IPL Cricket Ball

There are many things people say about the IPL cricket ball, but not all are true. Let’s clear some common myths:

“The IPL ball is smaller than other cricket balls.”
❌ False. The IPL ball follows the same size and weight rules as international T20 balls.
“Batsmen find it easier to hit sixes because of the ball.”
❌ Not entirely. The ball helps scoring a bit, but batsmen still need skill and timing.
“Bowlers are at a big disadvantage because of the IPL ball.”
❌ False. The ball is designed to help both batsmen and bowlers. Spin bowlers, in particular, can use the seam and shine effectively.
“The IPL ball changes every season.”
❌ False. The same Kookaburra standard ball is used every season to keep the game fair.

Knowing the truth about these myths helps fans understand the game better and enjoy every IPL match.

Interesting Facts About the IPL Cricket Ball

The IPL cricket ball has some cool facts that many fans don’t know:

Made for T20: It’s designed to last 20 overs, perfect for the fast-paced IPL matches.
Multiple Checks: Every ball is carefully checked for weight, size, and shape before the game.
High Bounce: The leather and cork inside make the ball bounce well, helping batsmen hit big shots.
Shiny Surface: The ball stays shiny for most of the innings, helping bowlers swing it early on.
Many Balls Used: In one IPL match, around 6–8 balls are used because a new ball comes from each end after 10 overs.

These facts show how much thought goes into making the IPL ball, making the game fair and exciting for both players and fans.

Conclusion

The IPL cricket ball is more than just a piece of leather. It affects every shot, wicket, and run in the game. The official ball is made by Kookaburra, a trusted brand used in international cricket. It is red in color, shines well, and is easy to see under stadium lights, even during night matches.

The weight and size of the ball are standard to ensure fair play. Its material, seam, and bounce make the game exciting for both batsmen and bowlers. Many myths about the IPL ball are not true, and it is carefully designed to keep matches competitive and enjoyable.

By understanding the IPL ball, fans can enjoy the game more. Platforms like Cricbex provide live scores, match updates, and detailed IPL stats, helping cricket lovers follow every delivery and big six. Knowing how the ball behaves makes it easier to appreciate why every moment in an IPL match is so important.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the IPL Cricket Ball

1. Which company makes the IPL cricket ball?

The official IPL cricket ball is made by Kookaburra, a trusted Australian brand.

2. Is the IPL ball different every season?

No. The same type of Kookaburra ball is used every season to keep the game fair.

3. Does dew affect the IPL ball?

Yes. In night matches, dew can make the ball slippery, which affects bowlers’ grip and control.

4. Why doesn’t the IPL ball swing much?

The ball swings less because T20 matches are short, and the pitches in India are different from Test matches. Bowlers can still get some swing in the first few overs.

5. How long does the IPL ball last in a match?