IPL Expansion Not A Priority But BCCI May Change IPL Window Because….

Talk of a significantly longer IPL season has been making headlines in recent weeks, with reports suggesting that the tournament could eventually expand from 74 to 94 matches in the next Future Tours Programme (FTP) cycle. However, the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has made it clear that such a move is not currently a priority for the board.

Instead, the BCCI’s immediate focus is on dealing with weather-related challenges that have increasingly affected the tournament. As a result, the board is considering shifting the IPL window earlier in the year, potentially starting the competition around two weeks sooner than usual from next season.

The IPL 2026 season began on March 28 and saw several matches being impacted by rain. One game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings was washed out completely without a result. Apart from rain interruptions, the board is also worried about rising temperatures during the latter stages of the tournament, with extreme heat affecting both players on the field and fans in the stands.

Speaking to a leading publication, Devajit Saikia dismissed suggestions that the BCCI is actively working towards increasing the number of matches from 74 to 94. He explained that the current tournament already runs for more than two months and that there is no urgent push to make it significantly longer.

According to Devajit Saikia, weather conditions have become a much bigger concern than the overall length of the tournament. He noted that discussions within the board are centred on ensuring that matches are not disrupted by rain and that players and spectators are not forced to endure uncomfortable conditions caused by extreme temperatures.

The BCCI is therefore exploring the possibility of moving the IPL calendar forward by around 15 days. Since the 2026 season started on March 28, the board is looking at a potential start date closer to March 15 in future editions. The aim would be to conclude the tournament by around May 15 rather than stretching it to the end of May.

The thought behind this proposal is straightforward. Finishing the season earlier could help avoid both the harshest summer heat and the pre-monsoon weather that often affects several venues across the country. The board believes this would improve the experience for everyone involved, from players and support staff to spectators who spend hours watching matches in challenging weather conditions.

While Devajit Saikia did not completely rule out an eventual expansion of the IPL, he stressed that such a decision would involve several factors beyond the tournament itself. Any increase in matches would need to fit within the international cricket calendar and align with commitments under the FTP. The participation of overseas players, bilateral series and multinational events governed by the ICC would also need to be considered.

For now, the BCCI’s attention remains firmly on creating a smoother and more weather-friendly tournament rather than making it bigger. As for the possibility of a 94-match IPL, Devajit Saikia indicated that there is no immediate discussion on the matter, adding that the situation may be revisited after 2027 depending on how the cricket calendar evolves.

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