In a significant development that could redefine the Indian Premier League’s structure, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that the BCCI is seriously considering a move to a 94-match season starting in 2028. While the expansion of fixtures is on the cards, Dhumal made it clear that the league will not be introducing any new franchises in the near future, citing quality control and scheduling limitations as primary concerns.
From 74 to 94: The Road to a Full-Fledged Home-and-Away Format
The Indian Premier League, which increased to a 74-match schedule in 2022 following the inclusion of Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), has been evaluating the feasibility of further expansion. Initially, the BCCI mulled over a jump to 84 matches by 2025, but that plan was postponed due to challenges regarding time constraints and the reluctance of broadcasters to accommodate excessive double-headers.
Now, the BCCI is looking further ahead. The proposed 94-game calendar would reflect a complete home-and-away league format, ensuring every team faces each opponent twice—once at home and once away. “Definitely, that might be an opportunity,” Dhumal said. “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.”
No New Franchises, Just Enhanced Competition
Despite widespread speculation and evident investor interest, Dhumal made it unequivocally clear that there will be no addition to the current pool of ten teams. “Ten is a good number for now,” Dhumal said. “Paramount is the interest in the tournament and the quality of cricket that we play… I don’t see any scope in the short term. Going forward, with how this whole landscape evolves, we’ll take a call accordingly.”
The IPL’s expansion focus will remain centered on elongating the calendar and enhancing fan experience without diluting the product’s competitive essence. Maintaining balance and preserving the quality of cricket continue to be top priorities.
Why 2028? Media Rights Cycle and Global Calendar Coordination
The targeted expansion aligns with the commencement of the IPL’s next media rights cycle in 2028. The IPL’s current window in the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) runs from mid-March to the end of May, limiting opportunities for an earlier increase in match volume. “Ideally, we’d want a larger window, or to maybe go on from 74 to 84 or 94 at some point… So that every team gets to play against every team home and away, for that, you need 94 games,” Dhumal explained.
However, the cricketing calendar remains packed. Between bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and other domestic competitions, carving out additional weeks remains a logistical hurdle. Still, Dhumal believes that evolving trends might eventually allow room for this structural change. “Given the window and the kind of commitments that we have with regards to bilateral cricket and ICC events, that may not be possible in the short term. But 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.”
Broadcaster Hesitations and Viewer Fatigue
One major hurdle standing in the way of expansion is broadcaster sentiment. While there is strong support for more matches from franchise stakeholders, TV and streaming partners are cautious. Viewer fatigue has become a concern, with mid-season ratings witnessing dips.
The 2025 season is set to last nine weeks with 12 double-headers, a format already stretching audience attention and logistical bandwidth. Moving to a 94-match schedule would likely necessitate an additional two weeks, intensifying pressure on an already crowded calendar.
Stakeholder Sentiment and Franchises’ Preferences
Several franchise officials have expressed approval for the 94-match concept, suggesting that such a model would benefit team-building, fan engagement, and long-term branding. A full home-and-away league would also mirror international football structures, offering predictability and more balanced matchups throughout the season.
Moreover, a longer season could increase commercial revenues and ticketing opportunities, aligning franchise goals with those of the BCCI and broadcasters.
2025 Season Review: A Precursor to Bigger Things?
As the curtain gradually falls on the 2025 edition, the IPL continues to thrive both on and off the field. Dhumal expressed satisfaction with the ongoing season’s intensity and the emergence of promising local talent. “Every year, it’s been growing,” Dhumal said. “We are very glad how the fans have loved this tournament, and the broadcast numbers and in-stadia numbers are all phenomenal. We are hoping to carry on with this being a special edition, the 18th edition. We are very sure that it’ll continue to grow in the way we’ve seen over the last 17 years.”
He added a personal sentiment about the prospect of a first-time champion emerging this year: “Definitely, I would want somebody who has never won the tournament to lift the trophy this year. 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 some of these teams compete against each other in the final, we’ll know for sure that we will have a new winner, then I’ll be very happy for the tournament.”
The IPL is undoubtedly at an inflection point. While expansion is a complex undertaking involving logistical, financial, and broadcasting considerations, the appetite for a longer season exists among all major stakeholders. The BCCI, under Dhumal’s stewardship, appears willing to embrace this challenge.
