The BCCI is actively considering expanding the IPL season to 94 matches starting from 2028, but there are no plans to introduce new franchises in the near future.
The IPL expanded to its current 74-match format in 2022 following the entry of the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Initial plans for a further increase to 84 matches in 2025 were delayed due to a scheduling crunch and broadcaster concerns over too many double-headers. However, expansion remains a possibility for the medium-term future.
Possible Expansion to 94 Matches
The IPL’s window in the future tours programme (FTP) is set for the next two years, running from mid-March until the end of May. But Arun Dhumal, the IPL chairman, has confirmed that BCCI is considering a full home-and-away, 94-match format for the next media-rights cycle starting in 2028.
“Definitely, that might be an opportunity,” Dhumal said. “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.”
Dhumal further explained, “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 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.”
No Plans for New Franchises
Despite growing investor interest, there are no immediate plans to increase the number of franchises. “Ten is a good number for now,” Dhumal stated. “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.”
IPL 2025: A Success
Dhumal described the IPL 2025 season as a success, highlighting the “competitive spirit” among teams and the rise of several young Indian players. He also expressed his hope for a first-time champion this year, as teams like Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all in contention for the playoffs.
“Every year, it’s been growing,” Dhumal said. “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.”
He added, “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.”
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