Ever wondered where did the thick, metal, gold-plated Indian map that Shane Warne lifted after winning the 2008 IPL, go? The OG fans of the IPL tournament who witnessed teams like Deccan Chargers, Kochi Tuskers, and Kolkata Knight Riders with the black and purple jersey, will remember that the IPL trophy didn't look like what it looks like now. Earlier, it was a flat one, safely attached to a glass plate with the DLF tag pasted on the left side of the box. DLF—Delhi Land and Finance—was the first-ever title sponsor of the tournament that stayed till 2012. The Board of Cricket Control in India launched a cash-rich T-20 tournament named the Indian Premier League. A brainchild of Lalit Modi, the then IPL Chairman and Commissioner, the tournament was meant to monetize India's success in T20 cricket, especially after winning the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup. The old Trophy artifacts Modi unveiled the trophy in Mumbai in 2008. Well, it was not just a trophy for the winners but a masterpiece of art. Crafted by the jewellery‑brand ORRA (owned by the Antwerp‑based RosyBlue Group), the trophy was designed by a team of 14 artisans under chief designer Mona Mehta. This diamond‑studded trophy was adorned with rubies, yellow and blue sapphires. The design featured a gold‑leafed batsman holding a bat, positioned next to a map of India, on which the names of the original eight IPL teams were engraved, each marked by rubies. And just like the present one, it too had the IPL moto- “Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi,” which translates to “Where talent meets opportunity.” The trophy had the names of the teams emblemed on the glass structure, but the winners' names were engraved on the base of the trophy. Read also: 3 Team Likely to Target Prithvi Shaw in IPL 2026 Mini-Auction What Happened to the Trophy? The Trophy was last visible in 2010, when MS Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings lifted it by defeating Mumbai Indians. After Rajasthan Royals in 2008, Deccan Chargers in 2009 and CSK in 2010 got to touch that. From 2011, came the traditional Cup-shaped trophy. Despite widespread belief among fans that the design changed from a “map‑of‑India + batsman” motif to a more conventional “cup” shape, concrete evidence for a full redesign remains scarce. Moreover, the transition appears to have focused more on presentation and practicality rather than removing the gold, gems or symbolic elements entirely. The New trophy As of now, the trophy changed the shape but not the motto. With every year, it comes back poliched cleaned, and the last year's winner's name gets engraved on the base. Rebranding and linking sponsors, however, are general norms, and names change mostly with new sponsors. Do teams get the actual Trophy? Nope. Definitely Not. Winnings Teams get replicas of the trophy. Fro examply Mumbai Indian winning IPL five times will get them five replicas of the IPL trophy in display. Even when the first trophy was unvieled in 2008, Modi confirmed the procedure. The actual Trophy stays with BCCI, and is presented on the field from day one of the tournament to the final day until the winners lift it.