How to Make an IPL Sports Blog Website & Earn Money

I never thought cricket would pay my bills, but here we are.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) isn’t just a cricket tournament. It’s a goldmine for content creators like us—bloggers, mainly Indian bloggers. Millions of fans scramble for updates, predictions, and analysis during IPL season.

My journey started three years ago when I couldn’t find good fantasy cricket advice.

I thought, “Why not start a blog?”

That random idea now generates more income than my previous day job.

Trust me, I’m not special. I had zero technical skills and knew nothing about websites. If I could build a profitable IPL blog, you definitely can too.

This guide shares everything I’ve learned, including the mistakes that cost me time and money. I’ll show you exactly how to set up your blog, create content people actually want, and turn your cricket knowledge into cash.

What you’ll learn from this article:

• Setting up your blog without technical headaches
• Content ideas that attract thousands of visitors
• Traffic strategies that actually work for cricket blogs
• How to make money from day one (no waiting for AdSense)

Ready to turn IPL season into your personal payday?

Let’s get started!

Choosing Your IPL Blog Niche

The first step might seem obvious, but it’s where most people mess up.

Not All IPL Content Is Created Equal

Let’s be real – there are thousands of IPL blogs already.

Creating “general IPL news” won’t cut it anymore.

When I started, I tried covering everything. My traffic was pathetic until I narrowed down to fantasy cricket predictions. That’s when things took off.

You need to find your specific lane within the IPL universe:

• Fantasy cricket advice – Dream11 team predictions bring huge traffic before matches
• Team-specific coverage – Becoming the go-to source for one team creates loyal fans
• Data analysis – Cricket stats nerds (like me) are always hunting for deeper insights
• Video match reviews – Perfect if you’re comfortable on camera
• Regional language content – Much less competition than English IPL blogs

Think about what you enjoy most about IPL. Your passion will keep you going during those late-night writing sessions after close matches.

Domain Names That Don’t Suck

Your domain is your online address. Don’t overthink this, but don’t rush it either.

I spent two weeks agonizing over domain names, which was totally unnecessary. Just make sure it’s:

• Easy to spell when heard (no made-up words)
• Contains “IPL” or “cricket” if possible
• Doesn’t have numbers or hyphens (they look spammy)
• Ideally a .com (though .in works well for Indian traffic)

Some decent examples:

• iplpredictions.com
• fantasycricketguru.in
• matchdaytips.com
• cricketnews.in

Don’t stress if your perfect domain is taken. You can always rebrand later when you’re making money. Just start with something decent.

Web Hosting Without The Headaches

Next up is getting your blog online with reliable hosting.

Why Cheap Hosting Will Cost You More

I learned this lesson the hard way.

My first IPL season, I used the cheapest hosting I could find.

Big mistake.

Right after a controversial Mumbai Indians match, when thousands of people were searching for news, my site crashed.

For THREE DAYS. That probably cost me hundreds of dollars in lost revenue.

Good hosting isn’t just about keeping your site online. It affects:

• How fast your pages load (slow sites rank lower on Google)
• Whether you can handle traffic spikes during big matches
• How secure your site is from hackers
• How much time you waste on technical problems

Setting Up Your Blog’s Home

After trying five different hosts, I recommend Hostinger for new IPL blogs. They’re affordable but reliable enough for your first few IPL seasons.

Their “Premium Shared Hosting” plan hits the sweet spot between price and performance. It includes:

• A free domain name (saving you around ₹800-1000)
• Free SSL certificate (the padlock icon that builds trust)
• Enough power for up to 25,000 monthly visitors
• One-click WordPress installation
• 24/7 support when you inevitably break something

The setup process is straightforward:

1. Go to Hostinger’s website
2. Pick the Premium Shared Hosting plan
3. Register your domain name (or connect one you already own)
4. Pay for at least 12 months upfront for the best deal
5. Wait about 10-15 minutes for everything to activate

Pro tip: Search “Hostinger coupon code” before checking out. I saved 15% using a random YouTuber’s promo code.

WordPress: Your Blog’s Engine

With your domain and hosting ready, it’s time to set up WordPress.

Getting WordPress Running

Most hosting companies offer “one-click WordPress installation.” It’s literally just clicking a button in your hosting dashboard and waiting a few minutes.

After installation, you’ll get login details to access your WordPress dashboard. This is where you’ll manage everything on your blog.

The first thing you’ll see might look overwhelming. Don’t worry – you only need to focus on a few basics to get started.

Making Your Blog Look Good

Your blog’s appearance matters, especially for building trust with readers.

The good news? You don’t need to be a designer.

WordPress uses “themes” that control how your site looks. There are thousands available, but for an IPL blog, I recommend these criteria:

• Fast loading speed (crucial for mobile users checking scores)
• Simple, clean design (fancy stuff slows down your site)
• Responsive (looks good on phones – that’s where most IPL fans will read your content)

After trying dozens of themes, these worked best for me:

• GeneratePress (free version works fine to start)
• Astra (also has a good free version)
• Kadence (becoming increasingly popular)

I use GeneratePress because it’s lightning fast and doesn’t have unnecessary bloat.

The setup is simple:

1. Go to Appearance → Themes in your WordPress dashboard
2. Click “Add New”
3. Search for one of the themes mentioned above
4. Click Install, then Activate

Don’t waste time trying to make your site perfect. A simple, clean design is all you need to start. You can always upgrade later.

Must-Have WordPress Plugins

Plugins add extra features to WordPress.

But here’s a warning: installing too many will slow down your site.

Stick to these essentials:

• Rank Math – Makes your content more visible on Google
• Autoptimize – Speeds up your website
• UpdraftPlus – Backs up your content (you’ll thank me later)
• Wordfence – Basic security to keep hackers out
• Classic Editor – Makes writing articles easier than the default editor

Installing plugins is simple:

1. Go to Plugins → Add New in your dashboard
2. Search for the plugin name
3. Click Install, then Activate

Only add more plugins when you have a specific need. Each additional plugin can slow down your site and create security risks.

Creating Content That Cricket Fans Love

Now comes the part that actually matters – creating content people want to read.

What Actually Works for IPL Blogs

After publishing hundreds of articles about IPL, I’ve learned what works and what flops.

The winning formula includes:

1. Match-Day Content

• Pre-match analysis (publish 6-12 hours before matches)
• Fantasy team predictions (Dream11, MPL, etc.)
• Post-match reviews (publish within 2 hours of match ending)
• Player performance breakdowns

2. Evergreen IPL Content

• Team histories and records
• Player profiles (especially rising stars)
• Tournament rules explained
• Historical moments and controversies

3. Trending Topics

• Injury updates
• Team changes and strategy shifts
• Controversial umpiring decisions
• Behind-the-scenes drama

The key is balancing these types. During IPL season, focus on match-day content. In the off-season, build up your evergreen articles.

Writing Tips From A Non-Writer

I’m not a “writer” by training. My first articles were terrible.

But I improved, and you will too.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Write like you talk. Imagine explaining the topic to a cricket-loving friend.
• Keep paragraphs short – 1-3 sentences max. Nobody reads walls of text on mobile.
• Add subheadings every 100-200 words. They break up content and help scanners find what they want.
• Include your opinion. Anyone can share stats. Your unique take is what builds an audience.
• Use bullet points for lists, like player strengths or match predictions.
• Bold important points and team names so they stand out for skimmers.
• Add relevant images – team logos, player photos, and match graphics make your content more appealing.

I aim for articles between 700-1200 words. Longer isn’t always better – cricket fans often want quick information, especially before matches.

Content Planning During IPL Season

During IPL season, having a content schedule is crucial. Here’s what works for me:

• Morning: Publish recap of previous day’s matches
• Afternoon: Create fantasy team predictions for next day’s matches
• Evening/Night: Live update articles during matches

This schedule keeps your content fresh and gives you multiple traffic spikes throughout the day.

I try to prepare templates for common content types (match previews, reviews, etc.) before the season starts. This saves tons of time when you’re rushing to publish during the tournament.

Getting Traffic to Your New Cricket Blog

Creating content is only half the battle.

Getting people to actually read it is where most blogs fail.

Google: Your Main Traffic Source

Search engine traffic should be your primary focus. It’s free, consistent, and scales well.

Here’s how to get your IPL content ranking on Google:

• Target specific keywords like “MI vs CSK dream11 team” or “RCB playing 11 today” rather than general terms like “IPL news”
• Include keywords in your title, URL, and first paragraph
• Answer specific questions fans are asking about matches and players
• Update old content regularly with new information
• Create comprehensive guides that cover topics better than competitors
• Build internal links between related articles on your site

The Google Search Console tool (free) shows which keywords are bringing traffic to your site. Check it weekly and create more content around successful keywords.

Social Media That Actually Works

Not all social platforms are worth your time for IPL content. Here’s where to focus:

Twitter

• Live-tweet during matches
• Share quick takes and predictions
• Use trending hashtags for each match (#MIvCSK, #IPL2025)
• Engage with other cricket accounts

Instagram

• Share visual content – infographics, stats cards, memes
• Use Instagram Stories for quick updates
• Add your article link to your bio

Telegram

• Create a channel for match updates and predictions
• Share links to your latest articles
• Build a community through group chats

Facebook can work too, but it’s getting harder to reach people without paying for ads.

Don’t try to be on every platform. Pick 2-3 and do them well. I focus on Twitter during matches and Telegram for building a loyal audience.

The Power of Cricket Communities

One strategy that accelerated my growth was participating in existing cricket communities:

• Reddit – Join r/Cricket and team-specific subreddits. Share insights (not just links).
• Cricket Forums – Participate in discussions on sites like CricBuzz and ESPN Cricinfo.
• WhatsApp Groups – Join IPL fantasy groups and share valuable advice (with occasional links to your blog).
• Discord Servers – Many IPL teams and fantasy cricket platforms have active communities.

The key is providing value first, promoting your blog second.

I spent 80% of my time helping others and 20% sharing my content. This approach builds trust and a loyal following.

Making Money From Your IPL Blog

This is the fun part – turning your IPL knowledge into actual income.

Display Ads: The Baseline Income

Google AdSense is the easiest way to start monetizing. It’s simple to set up and pays you when visitors click or view ads on your site.

Getting approved requires:

• 15-20 quality articles
• A professional-looking site
• Following all Google policies

During IPL season, Indian cricket traffic can earn $3-8 per 1,000 pageviews (higher if your audience includes countries like the US or UK).

Don’t expect huge income immediately.

My first month with AdSense made just $47. By my second IPL season, ad income reached over $2,000/month during the tournament.

If you’re struggling to get AdSense approval, try alternative ad networks like:

• Media.net
• AdsTerra
• PropellerAds

They typically have lower requirements but also pay less than AdSense.

Affiliate Marketing: Where Real Money Happens

Affiliate marketing has been my biggest income source, far exceeding ad revenue.

The concept is simple: promote products/services and earn commission when your readers sign up or purchase.

For an IPL blog, these affiliate programs work best:

• Fantasy Cricket Platforms – Dream11, MPL, and other fantasy apps pay ₹100-300 per depositing user you refer
• Sports Betting Sites (where legal) – Typically offer 20-40% revenue share or flat CPA payments
• Cricket Streaming Services – Hotstar and similar platforms often have affiliate programs
• Cricket Merchandise – Amazon affiliate links to team jerseys, equipment, etc.
• Web Hosting – Recommend your hosting provider to readers interested in starting their own blogs

The key to successful affiliate marketing is matching products to content.

For example, include Dream11 affiliate links in your fantasy team prediction articles, not randomly throughout your site.

Sponsored Content Opportunities

Once your blog grows, brands will pay for sponsored articles and mentions. Rates vary widely based on your traffic and niche:

• Smaller IPL blogs (5,000-10,000 monthly visitors): ₹3,000-8,000 per sponsored post
• Medium IPL blogs (10,000-50,000 monthly visitors): ₹8,000-25,000 per sponsored post
• Larger IPL blogs (50,000+ monthly visitors): ₹25,000-100,000+ per sponsored post

You can also charge for sponsored reviews of cricket-related products, apps, or services.

Be selective with sponsored content and always disclose paid relationships to your audience. Promoting low-quality products will damage your credibility.

Selling Your Own Products

Creating and selling your own digital products can be extremely profitable:

• Premium IPL fantasy guides and predictions
• Access to a private Telegram group with exclusive tips
• Data-driven analysis reports for serious fantasy players
• Courses on fantasy cricket strategy

I started with a basic ₹299 IPL fantasy guide in my second season. It wasn’t fancy – just a PDF with detailed team analysis and strategy. I sold over 400 copies with minimal promotion.

The beauty of digital products is that you create them once and sell them infinitely with no additional costs.

Growing Beyond a Basic Blog

Once you’ve established your IPL blog, here are some ways to expand.

Building Your Cricket Brand

Personal branding sets you apart from generic cricket sites:

• Add an “About Me” page sharing your cricket background
• Include a photo and brief bio in your sidebar
• Share occasional personal stories about your cricket experiences
• Develop a consistent voice and perspective

Readers connect with people more than websites. Let your personality shine through your content.

Expanding to YouTube

Adding a YouTube channel can significantly boost your visibility and income:

• Create video versions of your most popular articles
• Record match previews and reviews
• Live stream during big matches with commentary
• Share fantasy cricket team building process

YouTube not only provides additional ad revenue but drives traffic back to your blog. My simple match preview videos average 3,000-5,000 views during IPL season.

Building a Community

Creating a community around your blog keeps readers coming back:

• Start a free Telegram group for discussions
• Enable comments on your blog and respond actively
• Host live Q&A sessions before big matches
• Create polls and interactive content

Communities are powerful because they create a sense of belonging. My Telegram group has over 5,000 members who visit my blog daily during IPL season.

Just Start Already

I spent months researching before launching my IPL blog. That was wasted time.

The perfect time to start your IPL blog is right now.

The next IPL season will be here before you know it. Even a simple blog with 30-40 articles can generate income once the tournament begins.

You don’t need to be a cricket expert or technical expert. You just need to start creating content that helps cricket fans enjoy IPL more. The money will follow.

Remember, every successful IPL blogger started exactly where you are now – with zero posts and zero visitors.

The only difference between them and everyone else?

They actually started.

So close this article, register your domain, and write your first post today.

Click here to start with Hostinger and get a free domain