IPL likely to become three-month long as matches may increase to 94 by 2028

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is preparing for a major shift in the coming years, with plans being explored to stretch the tournament to a 94-match season by 2028.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed that while no new franchises are on the horizon, a significant expansion of the number of games is very much under active consideration.

The league had expanded to 74 matches in 2022 after the inclusion of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. There were early intentions to push the count up to 84 matches by 2025.

However, that move was put on hold, largely due to scheduling pressures and broadcasters' concerns over an increased number of double-headers. Despite the delay, the BCCI remains committed to the idea of further expansion.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Dhumal said, "Definitely, that might be an opportunity. We've been discussing in ICC, we've been discussing in-house in BCCI... we'll have to talk more seriously about it and see how we can create maximum value for the stakeholders of the game." According to him, a full home-and-away structure would naturally lead to 94 matches, an ideal format to ensure each team plays the others twice.

While the immediate FTP (Future Tours Programme) calendar until 2027 locks the IPL window from mid-March to the end of May, discussions about enlarging this window for future editions have already begun. Dhumal acknowledged that current bilateral commitments and ICC events make a jump in the short term difficult. However, he also pointed out that the evolving global cricket landscape could make a 94-match season feasible in a few years.

Expansion plans will also tie closely with broadcaster interest, especially after the recent Reliance-Disney merger, which formed JioStar. TV and streaming ratings tend to taper midway through the tournament, with broadcasters blaming viewer fatigue. As such, extending the season would require not just additional matches but also possibly a bigger window, stretching the tournament over three full months to manage fan engagement better.

Franchise owners are reportedly in favour of the idea, seeing it as an opportunity to maximise their brand value. But the BCCI remains cautious about maintaining the IPL's competitive intensity. Dhumal emphasised that the number of franchises would remain at ten for the foreseeable future. "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," he said.

As the 2025 season nears its business end, Dhumal also reflected on the quality of cricket this year, calling it a success story. He expressed hope for a first-time champion, with Delhi Capitals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Punjab Kings, and Lucknow Super Giants all pushing hard for playoff spots. "Definitely, I would want somebody who has never won the tournament to lift the trophy this year," he said.

With the IPL growing year after year, a move to 94 matches could be a natural next step in its journey toward becoming an even bigger global sporting spectacle.