The Indian Premier League (IPL) could witness a major transformation by 2028, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seriously considering expanding the tournament to a 94-match home-and-away format. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed the discussions during an interview, highlighting the league's growth potential and the evolving interests of cricket fans around the world. Currently, the IPL follows a 74-match schedule, a structure that came into effect after Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were introduced in 2022. Dhumal noted that while there were talks to expand the tournament to 84 matches as early as this season, it was postponed due to existing scheduling challenges.
"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 other team both at home and away. For that, you need 94 games," Dhumal was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo. He added that conversations regarding the expansion have been ongoing within the BCCI and also at the International Cricket Council (ICC) level. According to Dhumal, the shifting fan interest, from bilateral and ICC events towards franchise and T20 cricket, necessitates a strategic reevaluation to maximize stakeholder value.
While the vision for a 94-match season is ambitious, Dhumal acknowledged the immediate hurdles. The crowded cricket calendar, including bilateral commitments and ICC tournaments, makes it difficult to find a window large enough for such an expansion in the near term. "Given the window and the kind of commitments that we have with regards to bilateral cricket and ICC events, that may not be possible in the short term. 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," he explained.
Dhumal also shed light on why the idea to expand to 84 matches was shelved for the upcoming seasons. "There's been so much cricket: we came back from Australia from a Test series, we had the 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 matches in 2025. But whenever we think that the time is opportune, we'll take that call," he added. Addressing speculation about the addition of more teams, Dhumal clarified that there are no immediate plans to increase the number of franchises beyond the current ten. "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," he stated.
As the 18th edition of IPL nears its business end, Dhumal expressed his personal desire to see a team win the title for the first time. He pointed out that Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all strong contenders for the playoffs but have yet to clinch the coveted trophy. "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," Dhumal shared.
He added, "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." Dhumal concluded on a positive note, highlighting the phenomenal growth of the IPL over the past 17 years. "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." As IPL looks forward to a bright future with possible expansion, the focus remains on providing high-quality cricket and unmatched entertainment for its global fanbase.
