The BCCI is actively considering expanding the IPL season to 94 matches starting from 2028, though there are no immediate plans to add new franchises.
The IPL grew to its current 74-match format in 2022 following the addition of Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). While there were initial discussions to expand further to 84 matches by 2025, scheduling challenges and concerns from broadcasters—particularly around an increase in double-headers—have delayed those plans. However, an expansion remains very much on the table for the medium term.
The IPL’s window in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) is secured for the next two seasons, running from mid-March to the end of May. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal told ESPNcricinfo that the BCCI will seriously explore shifting to a full home-and-away, 94-match format starting with the next media-rights cycle in 2028.
“That’s definitely a possibility,” Dhumal said. “We’ve been discussing it within the ICC and among ourselves at BCCI. With fans’ shifting interest between bilateral series, ICC events, and franchise T20 cricket, we need to think seriously about how to maximize value for all stakeholders.”
He added, “Ideally, we would like a larger window or move to 84 or 94 matches eventually so every team plays every other both home and away. But given our current bilateral and ICC commitments, it may not happen immediately. As the landscape continues to evolve, we’ll revisit the idea.”
Dhumal emphasized that the decision not to move from 74 to 84 matches in 2025 was partly to avoid oversaturating an already packed schedule. “With the amount of cricket players are already playing—like returning from an Australia Test series, followed by the Champions Trophy, and then jumping into the IPL—it was decided that increasing games at this stage wouldn’t make sense,” he explained.
Expanding the IPL schedule further would also hinge on broadcaster appetite. TV and streaming viewership often dips midway through the tournament, something broadcasters attribute to viewer fatigue. The 2025 IPL will already stretch to nine weeks with 12 double-headers, and expanding to 94 matches would require extending the calendar by around two more weeks.
Regarding franchise numbers, Dhumal made it clear there are no immediate plans for further expansion, despite strong investor interest. “Ten is the right number for now,” he said. “Our priority is maintaining the tournament’s quality and competitive spirit. We’ll reassess if needed in the future.”
Reflecting on IPL 2025 so far, Dhumal hailed the season as a major success, praising the “highly competitive spirit” and the rise of several young Indian talents. He also expressed his hope that the league would crown a first-time champion this year, with Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and LSG all vying for playoff spots.
“The tournament continues to grow every year,” Dhumal said. “The fan response, both in stadiums and on broadcast, has been phenomenal. It would be wonderful if a team that’s never won before lifts the trophy this time—whether it’s DC, Punjab Kings, or RCB. If we get a final between two of them, we’re guaranteed a new champion, and that would be special.”
