The BCCI is exploring an expansion of the IPL season to a full home-and-away format, but the addition of new franchises is not on the cards in the near future.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seriously considering expanding the IPL season to 94 matches starting in 2028, as part of its long-term plans for the tournament. While the league's current format, which was extended to 74 matches in 2022 with the inclusion of Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is successful, the BCCI is exploring ways to further expand the tournament, though not immediately.
Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman, has confirmed that the BCCI is in discussions to potentially increase the number of matches in the league to a full home-and-away format with 94 games. However, this move will likely coincide with the next media-rights cycle, which begins in 2028.
The Expansion Plan: 94 Matches by 2028?
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Dhumal explained that there is significant interest in the possibility of expanding the season to 94 matches. “Definitely, that might be an opportunity,” he said, reflecting on ongoing talks within the BCCI and the International Cricket Council (ICC). He pointed out that the changing dynamics of cricket, with increasing fan interest in franchise and T20 cricket, could pave the way for a more expansive IPL format.
Currently, the league runs from mid-March to the end of May, and while the IPL has grown significantly, an expansion beyond the current 74-match format has been delayed. In 2025, the IPL was initially set to extend to 84 matches, but due to a packed schedule and broadcaster concerns over viewer fatigue from too many double-headers, the plans were pushed back.
Dhumal suggested that while the increase to 84 or 94 matches might not happen in the short term, the expansion could be revisited when the timing is right. He acknowledged the difficulties involved with fitting the expanded season into the already packed international cricket calendar, with numerous bilateral series and ICC events already taking up significant space.
The Role of Broadcasters
One of the main factors driving this potential expansion will be broadcaster interest and the overall demand for the IPL. The BCCI has indicated that any increase in matches would require sustained interest from TV and streaming platforms, as viewership typically wanes during the middle of the season. Fatigue from the lengthy season and the double-header format can lead to a dip in ratings, making broadcasters cautious about adding more matches.
However, Dhumal remains optimistic about the future of the IPL, noting that any increase would require careful discussions with stakeholders to ensure that the competition maintains its appeal. "Every year, it's been growing," Dhumal said. "The fans have loved this tournament, and the broadcast numbers and in-stadia numbers are all phenomenal. We are hoping that it will continue to grow as we've seen over the last 17 years."
No New Franchises for Now
While there is clear interest in expanding the IPL's scope, the BCCI has no immediate plans to introduce additional franchises. Despite growing investor interest, the league will not be adding any new teams in the near future. Dhumal emphasized that the current ten-team format is working well and that quality of cricket remains the priority.
“Ten is a good number for now,” Dhumal remarked, adding that the focus is on the quality of the tournament and the competitive balance among the existing teams. “We don’t see any scope for new teams in the short term, but going forward, depending on how the landscape evolves, we’ll take a call accordingly.”
The 2025 IPL Season: A Chance for a New Champion
Looking ahead to IPL 2025, Dhumal expressed satisfaction with the competitive spirit shown by the teams so far. He also revealed his desire for a first-time champion in this year’s edition. Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all in contention for the playoffs, and if any of these teams were to win the title, it would be their first IPL championship.
Dhumal highlighted the progress made by these teams, saying, “DC has done exceptionally well over the last few years, but they've not won. Punjab Kings made it to one final, and RCB, off and on, have done well. If one of these teams competes in the final, we’ll know for sure that we’ll have a new winner, and that will be a great story for the tournament.”
Looking to the Future
As discussions around expanding the IPL continue, the BCCI will need to balance the growth of the tournament with the logistics of fitting it into the broader cricket calendar. The potential move to a 94-match format will be influenced by the evolving landscape of global cricket and broadcaster interest.
For now, the focus remains on making IPL 2025 another special edition, with exciting new players emerging and old favorites continuing to entertain fans. Whether the league grows further with more matches or even more teams in the future, one thing is certain—the IPL's trajectory remains firmly on the upward path.
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