The IPL 2025 season was initially planned to feature 84 matches but was ultimately limited to 74.
While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has no immediate plans to introduce new franchises, it is seriously considering expanding the tournament to a 94-match season starting in 2028.
The IPL grew to its current 74-match format in 2022 with the addition of Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Although there were initial plans to expand to 84 matches by 2025, they were dropped due to scheduling challenges and broadcasters’ reluctance to accommodate more doubleheaders. However, a medium-term expansion remains a strong possibility.
The duration of the IPL window will be a major point of discussion next year as cricket boards negotiate the next Future Tours Programme (FTP).
Arun Dhumal Hints at 94-Match IPL Season from 2028
Over the next two years, the IPL’s slot in the Future Tours Programme (FTP) will run from mid-March to the end of May. However, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has revealed that the BCCI is actively considering a full-fledged home-and-away format with 94 matches, to coincide with the new media rights cycle beginning in 2028.
“That could definitely be an opportunity,” Dhumal said in an interview with ESPNcricinfo. “We’ve been discussing it both internally at the BCCI and with the ICC. With fans’ growing interest in bilateral cricket, ICC events, and franchise-based T20 leagues, it’s important for us to have deeper discussions about maximizing value for all stakeholders.”
He further explained, “Ideally, we would like a bigger window and expand the tournament from 74 to 84 or even 94 matches. A full home-and-away format would require 94 games. While current bilateral commitments and ICC events make such an expansion difficult right now, the way the cricket landscape is changing suggests it could become feasible in the future.”
IPL Franchise officials have also indicated to ESPNcricinfo that they would support a 94-match season. However, any expansion would likely hinge on broadcaster interest, especially given the anticipated Reliance-Disney merger, which plans to launch the JioStar platform in India.
IPL No New Teams to Be Added for Now
“Ten is a good number for now. Our primary focus is on maintaining the quality of the tournament and the standard of cricket. I don’t foresee any addition of teams in the short term. We will reassess depending on how the landscape changes in the coming years,” Dhumal said.
Midway through each IPL season, broadcasters often notice a dip in television and streaming viewership, a trend commonly attributed to viewer fatigue. The 2025 season, structured with 12 doubleheaders across nine weeks, has been no exception. Looking ahead, the league’s planned expansion to a 94-match format would likely necessitate extending the season by at least two additional weeks, posing new challenges for the already packed international cricket calendar.
Reflecting on the ongoing season, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal emphasized the competitive nature of the tournament. He praised the quality of matches and pointed to the emergence of several exciting young Indian talents as a major positive. According to Dhumal, the rise of new stars keeps the league dynamic and strengthens the pipeline for Indian cricket.
IPL This year’s playoff race has been particularly intense, with Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) all firmly in the hunt for a spot. Dhumal believes that the prospect of crowning a first-time IPL champion could significantly enhance the league’s appeal and narrative. Such a development, he suggests, would invigorate fanbases and add fresh excitement to the tournament’s rich history.
As the IPL continues to evolve, balancing the desire for more matches with maintaining audience engagement will be a key focus. With expansion plans underway, the organizers are mindful of preserving the tournament’s competitive spirit while managing the demands on players and the global cricketing schedule.
