The BCCI is considering advancing the IPL calendar from next season, with discussions underway to begin the tournament earlier in March and conclude it by mid-May. The move comes in response to concerns over extreme heat and the possibility of pre-monsoon showers disrupting matches during the latter stages of the competition.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that the board, along with the IPL Governing Council, is exploring a revised window for the tournament, potentially running it from March 10 to May 15.
“We are discussing whether the IPL can start a little earlier than the end of March. Towards the second half of May, there is always the possibility of rainfall and pre-monsoon conditions. At the same time, the heat becomes very challenging for both players and spectators,” Saikia told PTI.
According to Saikia, the proposed timeline would help create more favourable playing conditions and ensure that the business end of the tournament is not affected by adverse weather.
“Our effort will be to start the tournament around March 10 and finish it by May 15. The 2027 season will be the 20th edition of the IPL, and we want to provide the best possible experience for players and fans alike,” he said.
The BCCI secretary added that feedback from players and spectators has played a role in these discussions.
“We have heard a lot of concerns from both fans and players. Not every player is fully acclimatised to playing in such intense heat. If we can conclude the tournament by mid-May, it will create a much more pleasant atmosphere for everyone involved,” Saikia explained.
However, implementing an earlier IPL schedule will not be without challenges. India’s five-Test home series against Australia is scheduled to conclude on March 3, while several England and Australia players will be involved in the 150th Anniversary Test at Lord’s from March 11 to 15.
No immediate plans for IPL expansion
Saikia also confirmed that the BCCI is not considering an expansion of the IPL league stage in the near future.
Since the tournament expanded to 10 teams in 2022, the IPL has featured 74 matches each season, including 70 league fixtures and four playoff games. While discussions have previously taken place about increasing the tournament to 94 matches, the idea has been put on hold for now.
“At this moment, increasing the number of matches from 74 to 94 is not feasible. We have to take into account the international commitments of players from countries like Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand and the West Indies,” Saikia said.
He emphasised that maintaining the balance between IPL commitments and international cricket remains a priority.
“We do not want to disrupt bilateral cricket or other ICC events. Securing a two-month window itself is a challenge, and extending beyond that would create difficulties for multiple cricket boards,” he added.
Saikia further highlighted the packed domestic calendar in India, which currently runs from the Irani Trophy in August through to the Ranji Trophy final in March.
“Our domestic structure is already very robust and stretches across seven to eight months. We will have to look at ways to streamline the schedule so that domestic cricket concludes by early March, allowing the IPL to begin immediately after,” he said.
