As the Indian Premier League (IPL) continues its meteoric growth, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is openly considering a significant structural expansion of the tournament. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that discussions are underway to expand the league to as many as 94 matches by 2028 — a move that would necessitate a larger window in the international cricket calendar and signal a new phase of IPL dominance in global cricket.
A longer IPL season could reshape cricket’s global calendar
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Dhumal said the idea of an expanded IPL season is being actively discussed, not only within the BCCI but also with the International Cricket Council (ICC), hinting at the broader implications of such a shift.
“Definitely, that might be an opportunity. 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.”
The push to grow from the current 74 matches to 94 is rooted in a desire for every team to play each other home and away — a format only possible with an expanded fixture list. But any such move would force changes to the already congested international schedule.
“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.”
“Given the window and the kind of commitments that we have with regards to bilateral cricket and ICC events, that … . 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.”
Not 2025, but 2028 is in focus
While previous speculation had centered around a bump to 84 matches in the 2025 edition, Dhumal confirmed that won’t happen just yet. Player workload, international commitments, and timing led to that proposal being shelved — for now.
“There’s been so much cricket: we came back from Australia from a Test series, we had this Champions Trophy, and on top of that we have this IPL. That is why it was decided that it doesn’t make sense from going from 74 to 84 (in 2025), but whenever we think that the time is opportune, we’ll take that call.”
The more realistic timeline for any significant expansion appears to be 2028, aligning with the next ICC rights cycle and potential shifts in the global cricket calendar.
Expansion teams not on the table yet, but future remains open
With the league currently featuring ten franchises — CSK, DC, MI, RCB, KKR, GT, PBKS, SRH, RR, and LSG — talk of new teams entering the fray has been put on hold, at least for the near term. Maintaining the tournament’s quality and competitiveness remains the immediate priority.
“Ten is a good number for now. 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.”
While the BCCI is satisfied with the current structure, the door remains open for expansion beyond 2028, particularly if the global cricketing ecosystem evolves to allow further franchise growth.
Fan base and revenues continue to surge
Dhumal also pointed to the continued surge in IPL viewership and stadium attendance as justification for potential future growth. The league’s 18th edition has been dubbed a “special edition” by the chairman, who remains confident that fan enthusiasm will continue to fuel expansion.
“Every year, it’s been growing. 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.”
A wish for a first-time champion
On a personal note, Dhumal shared his hopes for a new team to lift the IPL trophy in 2025, citing franchises like Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore as deserving contenders.
“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 road to 94: More than just more matches
At its core, the expansion to 94 matches isn’t just a numbers game. It represents a shift in the center of gravity in world cricket — toward franchise leagues, away from traditional bilateral tours, and into a future where player availability, national commitments, and global cricketing priorities may be redefined.
The IPL’s potential move to a 94-match season will require the cooperation of national boards, a recalibration of the cricket calendar, and a continued surge in fan engagement. But the direction is clear: the world’s biggest cricket league is only getting bigger.
Name of Author: Cricexec Staff
