The Indian Premier League (IPL) has grown to be the greatest and most lucrative franchise event centred on cricket in the world. With newer regulations and even the addition and subtraction of new franchises, the league has seen numerous changes over the years. Beginning in 2008, the competition has grown to include 10 teams starting in 2022 as the Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants were added.
The IPL Chairman Arun Dhuman has hinted that the current 74-match event may be extended to 94 games per season by 2028, indicating that some major modifications to the tournament’s duration are in the works.
The league was originally scheduled to include 84 matches in 2025, but due to scheduling conflicts and the broadcaster’s aversion to too many doubleheaders, the BCCI was forced to remain with the current 74-match schedule, Dhumal said. Furthermore, Dhumal has pointed out that the dynamics of fan interest in bilaterals and ICC events have changed.
Indeed, there may be a chance there. We’ve been talking about it in ICC and internally at BCCI. In light of the shifting fan interest in bilateral and ICC events, we will need to have a more serious conversation about franchise and T20 cricket and identify ways to maximise value for all parties involved. A larger window would be ideal, or perhaps we could extend from 74 to 84 or 94 at some point. According to a remark from the IPL chairman, “94 games are required so that every team gets to play against every team, both home and away.”
Given the timeframe and the type of obligations we have for bilateral cricket and ICC events, that might not be feasible in the near future. But perhaps we might look into that option at some point, considering the landscape and how it has changed and evolved over time.
“We returned from a Test series in Australia, we won the Champions Trophy, and now we have the IPL.
There has been a tonne of cricket. That’s why it was determined that going from 74 to 84 [in 2025] doesn’t make sense, but we’ll take that call whenever we believe the timing is right,” Dhumal wrote.
Regarding the addition of new franchisees, Arun Dhumal stated that “ten is a good number for now.”
Dhumal emphasised that there are no immediate intentions to increase the number of teams in the league, despite some rumours that additional franchises would enter.
Ten is a nice number right now, and the tournament’s interest and the calibre of our cricket are what matter most. I don’t think there is any immediate potential. Going forward, we’ll make a call in accordance with how this entire picture changes,” Dhumal said.
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