The Indian Premier League (IPL) is likely to undergo an expansion in the near future, as per a report in ESPNcricinfo. The report, which quotes IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, states that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering increasing the number of matches to 94 from 2028. Despite the intention to expand the season, there are no plans to introduce new franchises.
The number of matches increased to the current 74-match format in 2022 following the induction of the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchises. However, the plans to expand to 84 matches for 2025 were delayed due to a crammed international schedule, but expansion in the near future remains on the cards.
IPL window for next FTP cycle in focus
The IPL’s window in the international (FTP) in the next two years is fixed from mid-March until the end of May. But Dhumal told ESPNcricinfo about BCCI’s intention to expand the tournament to a full home-and-away, 94-match format for the next media-rights cycle, beginning in 2028.
“Definitely, that might be an opportunity,” Dhumal told ESPNcricinfo. “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.
“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.
A lot depends on the broadcaster interest
The duration of the IPL’s window will take centre stage next year when the cricket boards across the globe discuss the details of the next FTP. According to ESPNcricinfo, multiple franchises would prefer a 94-match season. However, the expansion will most likely depend on broadcaster interest following the Reliance-Disney merger in India.
TV and streaming numbers typically witness a slump midway through the IPL season, most likely due to viewer fatigue. The 2025 edition will be held across nine weeks, with 12 double-headers. An expanded season to accommodate a full home-and-away season might require two more weeks in the international calendar.
The number of matches increased to the current 74-match format in 2022 following the induction of the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchises. Now, the number of matches could reach 94 in the next two years. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
