The BCCI is contemplating extending the IPL season to 94 matches from 2028, but new franchises are not on the horizon for now. This follows the tournament’s expansion to 74 matches in 2022 with the addition of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants.
The league had plans to grow to 84 matches in 2025 but faced delays due to tight scheduling and broadcaster concerns over frequent double-headers. However, expansion remains a consideration for the medium term.
Currently, the IPL runs from mid-March to late May, as fixed in the future tours programme (FTP) for the next two years. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal shared with ESPNcricinfo that a 94-match season in a home-and-away format will be seriously considered for the media-rights cycle starting in 2028.
“Definitely, that might be an opportunity,” Dhumal remarked. “We’ve been discussing in ICC, we’ve been discussing in-house in BCCI. Given how the interest of the fan is changing with regard to bilateral and ICC events, in regard to franchise cricket and T20 cricket, we’ll have to talk more seriously about it and see how we can create maximum value for the stakeholders of the game.”
Expansion ambitions require balancing the current commitments with bilateral cricket and ICC events. Dhumal elaborated, “Given the landscape, how it is changing and evolving over the years, maybe at some point in time we would look and take that option.”
The idea to expand from 74 to 84 matches by 2025 was shelved, acknowledging the packed cricketing calendar. “Whenever we think that the time is opportune, we’ll take that call,” he confirmed.
Discussions on the IPL’s calendar slot will take place next year during the formulation of the next FTP. Franchise officials indicate a preference for a 94-match season, but broadcaster interest is crucial, especially since TV and streaming viewership typically sees a mid-season dip.
The 2025 season will already span nine weeks with 12 double-header days, extending the calendar for a full home-and-away season would require an additional fortnight.
Despite interest from investors, there are no plans to increase the number of teams. Dhumal emphasised, “Ten is a good number for now… Going forward, with how this whole landscape evolves, we’ll take a call accordingly.”
Dhumal also lauded the 2025 season, highlighting the “competitive spirit” of the teams and the rise of young talent.
