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Cricket is fundamentally a competition between bat and ball. Consequently, the quality of balls and their nature on the surface becomes a crucial aspect of the game. Popularly, three types of balls are used across formats. The red and pink balls are used in test cricket. On the other hand, ODIs and T20 games are played with white balls. All of those have different prices for their distinctive features and manufacturing qualities.
When it comes to the Indian Premier League(IPL), the Kookaburra turf white ball is used. Let us discuss the price of the ball used in the IPL and its impact on a game.
Official Ball Used in IPL: Kookaburra Turf White
The Kookaburra turf white ball is widely used and a trusted ball in world cricket. It is popular from the elite level to grass roots community games. The company has a history of more than 130 years in terms of cricket ball manufacturing. Additionally, they have also introduced a T20-specific turf white ball. This ball holds the hardness for long and provides a fair balance to batters and bowlers. It was the NT Strike League during the 2020s when this ball was used for trials. The management of the IPL decided to bring this ball in action to ensure more exciting games. Additionally, the 2025 edition of the league is using two new balls to mitigate the dew factor. It will definitely bring a new flavour to matches.
Key Features of the Kookaburra Turf White
The Kookaburra Turf White ball is designed to sustain through high-impact games of ODIs and T20 format. With the finesse in manufacturing and the usage of premium leather, this ball gives you optimum performance and durability. Additionally, its colour and texture are perfect for the day and night matches. Here are some key features of this fantastic IPL cricket ball:
Premium Leather Construction
The Kookaburra Turf White ball is crafted from premium quality alum-tanned leather, ensuring durability and consistency throughout a match. The high-grade leather helps maintain the ball’s shape and shine, even under intense playing conditions. Its superior finish allows better grip for bowlers and smooth stroke play for batters, making it ideal for high-impact T20 games.
Four-Piece Construction
The Kookaburra Turf White ball features a four-piece construction, which enhances its durability and ensures a consistent shape over prolonged use. This design allows the ball to retain its hardness, offering a predictable bounce and movement. The four-piece structure also helps maintain swing and seam integrity, making it a reliable choice for competitive T20 cricket.
Five-Layer Quilted Centre
At its core, the ball has a five-layer quilted centre, which provides a balanced weight distribution and longer-lasting performance. This multi-layered cork and rubber combination ensures that the ball remains firm even after extended play. The layered core also helps sustain the hardness, preventing excessive wear and tear in high-intensity IPL matches.
Hand-Stitched Seam
The ball’s hand-stitched seam is a crucial feature that aids bowlers in generating movement through the air and off the pitch. Each stitch is meticulously crafted to ensure a pronounced seam, allowing for better grip and control. This handcrafted detailing gives spinners an extra edge and helps fast bowlers extract seam movement throughout the innings.
Waterproof & Weather-Resistant
Designed for various playing conditions, the Kookaburra Turf White ball boasts waterproof and weather-resistant properties. Its high-quality finish prevents moisture absorption, ensuring consistent performance even in humid or dewy conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial in the IPL, where evening matches often encounter dew, making it essential for maintaining ball control.
Weight and Dimensions of IPL Cricket Balls
The Kookaburra Turf White ball used in the IPL follows standard weight and size regulations set for professional limited-overs cricket. Here’s a breakdown of its specifications:
| Specification | Measurement |
| Weight | 155.9 – 163 g |
| Circumference | 22.4 – 22.9 cm |
| Diameter | 7.1 – 7.3 cm |
| Core Material | Cork and rubber mix |
| Outer Cover | Alum-tanned leather |
These dimensions ensure uniformity and consistency, making the ball ideal for high-paced IPL matches. Since it holds top-notch quality, the price of the ball used in the IPL is also on the higher side. Let us try to break down the cost.
Cost of the IPL Cricket Balls
The price of the ball varies based on factors like quality, sourcing, and bulk orders. On average, a single Kookaburra Turf White ball costs between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 18,000. The high price is attributed to its premium leather construction, hand-stitched seam, and multi-layered core, ensuring durability and performance under intense playing conditions.
Unlike standard cricket balls, which may cost significantly less, the Kookaburra Turf White ball is designed specifically for professional T20 matches. Its waterproof coating and weather-resistant properties further add to its value. Additionally, each IPL match requires multiple balls due to wear and tear, dew factor, and strategic replacements, increasing the overall expense.
Franchises and tournament organisers procure these balls in bulk, which slightly reduces the per-ball cost. However, for an individual buyer, the price remains steep, making it a premium product in the cricketing market. Despite the cost, its consistency, longevity, and impact on gameplay make it a crucial investment for high-level T20 competitions like the IPL.
Factors Influencing the Price of IPL Cricket Balls
The cost of the IPL cricket ball is predominantly affected by its manufacturing and quality. These include the quality of materials, the intricate manufacturing process, brand reputation, durability, and the demand in high-profile matches. Here are a few factors that influence its price:
Quality of Materials
The use of alum-tanned leather, high-grade cork, and a multi-layered core ensures premium quality. These materials enhance the ball’s longevity, grip, and performance, making it a costly but essential component of professional cricket.
Manufacturing Process
Each Kookaburra Turf White ball undergoes a meticulous hand-stitching and finishing process. Skilled craftsmanship, combined with advanced tanning and waterproofing techniques, adds to its durability and justifies the higher price.
Brand Reputation
Kookaburra, a globally recognized cricket brand, has been producing top-tier balls for over a century. Its reputation for quality and reliability in international and domestic leagues impacts the ball’s overall market value.
Durability and Performance
The four-piece construction and five-layer quilted core ensure the ball retains its hardness, shape, and swing for extended periods. This durability makes it a preferred choice for T20 cricket, increasing its price.
Demand and Usage in High-Profile Matches
With the IPL being one of the biggest T20 leagues, the demand for high-quality cricket balls is immense. Frequent replacements, bulk orders, and the tournament’s prestige further drive up the cost of these balls.
Comparison with Other Cricket Balls Used in Different Formats
The Kookaburra Turf White ball differs from balls used in other cricket formats in terms of construction, colour, and durability. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Kookaburra Turf White (IPL) | SG Test (Red Ball) | Dukes (Red Ball) | Kookaburra Pink (Day-Night Tests) |
| Color | White | Red | Red | Pink |
| Usage | T20 & ODIs | Test (India) | Test (England) | Day-Night Tests |
| Seam Type | Hand-stitched | Hand-stitched | Hand-stitched | Hand-stitched |
| Durability | Moderate | High | Very High | High |
| Weather Resistance | High | Moderate | High | High |
Number of Balls Used in an IPL Match and Reasons for Replacement
An IPL match typically requires 6 to 12 balls, depending on conditions and match situations. Each innings starts with a new Kookaburra Turf White ball, but multiple replacements occur due to dew, damage, and lost balls.
Factors like wear and tear, excessive scuffing, and outfield moisture can affect the ball’s performance, leading to mid-match changes. Additionally, if a ball is hit out of the stadium, it is replaced immediately. From the 2025 edition, teams use two new balls per innings to counter the dew factor, ensuring better grip and consistent gameplay throughout the match.
Availability of IPL Cricket Balls for Purchase
This IPL cricket ball is available for purchase through official sports retailers, online marketplaces, and Kookaburra’s website. However, due to its premium quality and professional-grade specifications, it is priced higher than standard cricket balls.
Where to Buy Authentic IPL Cricket Balls?
Authentic Kookaburra Turf White balls can be purchased from official sports stores, Kookaburra’s website, and reputed online marketplaces. Buyers should verify seller credibility to ensure genuine, professional-grade cricket balls.
Considerations When Purchasing Replica Versions
Replica versions may be cheaper but lack professional durability and performance. When buying, check for quality, stitching, and material. Opt for reputable brands to ensure a ball that closely mimics the IPL standard.
Conclusion
The price of the ball used in IPL is affected by many factors as discussed above. The Kookaburra Turf White Ball speaks the legacy of the brand and its relevance in high-impact T2o games. The cost of this IPL cricket ball is more than 15 thousand; however, the durability, performance, and quality makes the cost worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IPL Ball Price
The Kookaburra Turf White is the official ball used in IPL matches. It is specifically designed for T20 cricket, offering durability, swing, and a consistent bounce, making it ideal for high-intensity games.
A single Kookaburra Turf White ball costs between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 18,000. The price varies based on factors like quality, bulk purchase, and seller. Its premium leather, hand-stitched seam, and durability contribute to its high cost.
The Kookaburra Turf White is preferred in IPL due to its balanced hardness, durability, and seam integrity. It maintains shape under intense gameplay, provides consistent bounce, and offers a fair contest between bat and ball in T20 cricket.
Yes, authentic Kookaburra Turf White balls can be purchased from official sports stores, online marketplaces, and Kookaburra’s website. However, they are expensive and primarily designed for professional-level cricket matches.
An IPL match usually requires 6 to 12 balls per game, depending on factors like wear and tear, dew, ball loss, and replacements. From 2025, two new balls are used per innings to counter the dew effect.
The high cost is due to premium alum-tanned leather, hand-stitched seam, multi-layered core, weather resistance, and professional-grade quality. Additionally, Kookaburra’s reputation and demand for high-performance balls in elite cricket add to the price.
