As the Indian Premier League (IPL) looks to expand to 94 matches by 2028, a new cricexec industry poll reveals significant concern among top cricket executives. According to the results, 80% believe the expansion will harm international and domestic cricket, while just 20% think it will benefit the global sport.
IPL growth sparks global concern
The poll asked a direct question: “Do you think the IPL expanding to take up a larger share of the global cricket calendar is good for the sport?” The response was overwhelming, with stakeholders cautioning that one league’s growing dominance could destabilize the broader cricket ecosystem.
Quarter-of-the-calendar: IPL’s expansion plan
Current proposals could see the IPL stretch to 94 games by 2028, occupying nearly 25% of the global cricket calendar. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed this trajectory, citing home-and-away matches for every team as a long-term goal.
“Ideally, we’d want a larger window, or to maybe go on from 74 to 84 or 94 at some point,” Dhumal told ESPNcricinfo. “So that every team gets to play against every team home and away, for that, you need 94 games.”
The expansion is being driven by the IPL’s skyrocketing media rights value and its immense commercial potential. The league’s investors and broadcasters are pushing for more matches and more airtime.
Industry voices warn of damage to global cricket
The cricexec poll results reflect deep industry anxiety. Many executives fear that an expanded IPL would further marginalize bilateral series and smaller domestic leagues, exacerbating an already shrinking international window.
This concern isn’t new. For years, boards and stakeholders have warned that over-commercialization could weaken the integrity of the global game. A tournament that takes up a quarter of the calendar leaves little room for other formats, especially Test cricket and associate nation development.
Supporters argue IPL fuels cricket’s growth
On the other side of the debate, IPL advocates view the expansion as a market-driven evolution. They argue it provides life-changing income for players, engages younger fans, and pulls cricket into new markets.
“Given how the interest of the fan is changing with regard to bilateral and ICC events… we’ll have to talk more seriously about it and see how we can create maximum value for the stakeholders of the game,” Dhumal said.
Supporters also point to the IPL’s global media reach and audience scale, which they believe are unmatched by traditional international cricket structures.
Governance, scheduling, and the future of the game
Beyond calendar congestion, stakeholders are also raising concerns about cricket governance and competitive balance. An enlarged IPL may increasingly dictate the sport’s structure, priorities, and scheduling—often in ways that leave smaller boards sidelined.
The World Cricketers’ Association (WCA) recently emphasized the need to protect international windows to ensure “best v best” matchups. The IPL’s planned growth directly threatens this goal, as players are forced to choose between national duty and lucrative franchise deals.
With 94 matches potentially locked in by 2028, the question remains: if the IPL becomes too dominant, what happens to the rest of cricket?
