IPL Expansion On The Cards: BCCI Plans 94-Match Season By 2028

April 28, 2025: Plans to expand the Indian Premier League (IPL) to 84 matches by 2025 have been put on hold due to scheduling constraints and concerns from broadcasters about the fatigue caused by too many double-headers. However, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that expansion remains a serious consideration for the future, particularly for the next media-rights cycle beginning in 2028.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Dhumal said, “Definitely, that might be an opportunity. We’ve been discussing in ICC, we’ve been discussing in-house in BCCI… We’ll have to talk more seriously about it and see how we can create maximum value for the stakeholders of the game.”

The IPL currently has a designated window in the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) from mid-March to the end of May. Dhumal emphasized that any potential shift to a full home-and-away format—which would require 94 matches—would demand additional space in the international calendar.

“Ideally, we’d want a larger window or to maybe go on from 74 to 84 or 94 at some point,” Dhumal noted. “But given the kind of commitments we have with bilateral cricket and ICC events, that may not be possible in the short term.”

The BCCI’s immediate focus remains on maintaining the tournament’s quality and fan interest. “Ten [teams] is a good number for now. Paramount is the interest in the tournament and the quality of cricket that we play… Going forward, with how this whole landscape evolves, we’ll take a call accordingly.”

Broadcasters have also expressed caution over expansion. As per ESPNcricinfo, TV and streaming viewership often dips mid-season, which stakeholders attribute to match fatigue. With 12 double-headers already scheduled in the 2025 edition, expanding to 94 games would likely require two more weeks to be added to the window.

The discussion on IPL’s future format and calendar space will resume next year when global boards revisit the FTP. Franchise officials reportedly support a 94-match format but acknowledge that broadcaster interest, especially post the Reliance-Disney merger forming JioStar, will be key.

Dhumal praised the success of the ongoing 2025 IPL, highlighting competitive matches and the emergence of young Indian talent. He also expressed his hope for a first-time winner this season, with franchises like Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) all in contention.

“Definitely, I would want somebody who has never won the tournament to lift the trophy this year,” he said. “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.”