94-Match Expansion from 2028
Published on: May 28, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: New Delhi, India
In a significant development that could reshape the future of the world’s most lucrative cricket league, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively exploring the possibility of shifting the Indian Premier League (IPL) to a September-October window. The move aims to address growing concerns over extreme summer heat while paving the way for a massive expansion to 94 matches starting from the 2028 season.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has dropped strong hints about the potential change, stating that discussions with broadcasters and stakeholders are essential before finalizing any shift. “We need to sit across and speak to the broadcaster for their opinion on whether the tournament can be moved to another window. One suggestion was a window in September-October. That is the best time from an advertiser’s point of view because it is just before Diwali,” Dhumal remarked in recent interactions.
The traditional March-May slot for the IPL has increasingly come under scrutiny due to soaring temperatures across India, particularly in May. Players, support staff, and spectators have faced challenging conditions, with reports of heat-related stress and health concerns becoming more frequent. Shifting to the post-monsoon period in September-October could provide much-needed relief, offering more comfortable playing conditions while aligning with India’s festive season, which is a peak time for advertising and viewership.
The Expansion Puzzle
The timing of this potential shift is closely tied to ambitious expansion plans. With 10 teams currently in the league, a full home-and-away format would require each team to play every other team twice, resulting in a staggering 94 matches. BCCI officials have been deliberating this expansion for the next media rights cycle beginning in 2028, without adding new franchises in the immediate future.
Such an increase from the current 74-match format would demand additional weeks in the calendar. Stretching the current window further into June is not considered viable due to international commitments and weather patterns. A September-October slot, or possibly a split-season model (with phases in February-April and September-October), is being evaluated as a practical solution.
This expansion promises substantial commercial upside. The IPL already generates billions in revenue through broadcasting, sponsorships, and merchandising. A longer season coinciding with the festive period could boost advertising revenues significantly, as brands ramp up spending ahead of Diwali. However, it also raises logistical challenges, including potential clashes with international cricket calendars, the Asia Cup, and other ICC events.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Challenges
Dhumal has emphasized a collaborative approach. “We’ve been discussing in ICC, we’ve been discussing in-house in BCCI,” he noted earlier regarding the expansion. The BCCI is expected to engage deeply with franchise owners, players’ representatives, and broadcasters like Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar before making any decisions.
Player welfare remains a top priority. Many international stars and Indian players have voiced concerns about the gruelling schedule and extreme heat. A cooler September-October window could reduce injury risks and allow better recovery periods. However, the period also overlaps with the end of the English cricket season and precedes the Australian summer, requiring careful coordination with global cricket boards.Monsoon concerns in certain parts of India could affect early September matches, while venues in northern and western India might offer ideal conditions later in the window. The BCCI is likely to conduct detailed feasibility studies, including venue assessments and broadcast simulations.
Historical Context and Fan Reactions
The IPL has evolved dramatically since its inception in 2008. What began as a 59-match tournament has grown into a global spectacle. Previous adjustments to the schedule have been made to accommodate international windows, but a full seasonal shift would be one of the most transformative changes yet.Cricket enthusiasts on social media have shown mixed reactions.
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Many welcome the relief from summer heat, citing better viewing experiences and reduced health risks. Others worry about disruptions to the traditional summer cricket fever that has become a cultural phenomenon in India. Franchise owners are cautiously optimistic, viewing the expansion as an opportunity for higher revenues but concerned about player fatigue in a longer season.
Looking Ahead
The BCCI is expected to finalize its roadmap in the coming months, with inputs from the IPL Governing Council. Any decision will also influence the Future Tours Programme (FTP) negotiations at the ICC level.If implemented, the September-October window could not only mitigate environmental challenges but also position the IPL even more strongly as a year-round global entertainment brand.
As Dhumal and the BCCI navigate these complex decisions, one thing is clear: the league continues to prioritize sustainability, commercial growth, and the excitement that has made it the crown jewel of T20 cricket.This potential shift marks another chapter in the IPL’s remarkable journey, balancing tradition with innovation to ensure the league remains the pinnacle of cricketing entertainment for years to come.
