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The Indian Premier League (IPL) could become much bigger in the next few years, and that may bring a huge change to the international cricket calendar. The BCCI is looking at different options to increase the number of IPL matches, and one of the biggest possibilities is reducing some bilateral series between countries.
Since the 2022 season, the IPL has been a 74-match tournament. But the BCCI wants to make it a 94-match competition so that all 10 teams can play each other both at home and away. This would add 20 more matches and give fans many more games to enjoy throughout the season.
BCCI planning massive IPL expansion with 94-match format
However, the biggest problem is scheduling. The international cricket calendar is already packed with ICC tournaments, bilateral series, and franchise leagues around the world. This makes it tough to find enough space for 20 extra IPL matches.
Earlier, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal had also said that expanding the tournament to 94 matches is part of the BCCI’s long-term plans and that it could happen in the future.
One idea being discussed is to start the IPL in the first week of March instead of later in the month. That would give enough time to finish all 94 matches before the monsoon season begins in India with IPL’s influence being hailed widely across the world.
A BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI, “We can’t play 94 games in the current window as the monsoon starts after May. Either we split into two halves or we do it from the March first week and have it till May 15. That would be the best window when 94 matches are played.”
BCCI looking at bilateral series to create more space
If this plan goes ahead, bilateral series could be affected the most. The BCCI is reportedly reviewing whether some international series can be reduced because many countries now have their own T20 leagues and are not fully dependent on hosting India for revenue.
The BCCI source added, “We also need to see the feasibility of bilateral series going forward. Every country has their own league; they are not entirely dependent on hosting the India series. So, we need to see the feasibility of bilaterals going forward.”
Will IPL get bigger from 2028?
Another reason behind this planning is the broadcasters and fans. It is being said that bilateral series are no longer attracting the same excitement as before, with many fans now showing greater interest in franchise cricket. However, the final decision has been taken yet, but discussions are going on about introducing the bigger IPL schedule from the 2028 season.
He added, “The broadcaster is already not seeing value in some of the bilateral series being played. If cricket has to go the soccer way, all boards need to buy into it.”
The plan is still under consideration. The calendar has also become more crowded because the ICC now hosts a major global tournament almost every year. And then, there is the Asia Cup, and regular international tours leave very little free space in the schedule.
