After its launch, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has had many highs and lows. On and off the pitch, the league is changing as the 18th season gets underway. Arun Dhumal, the chairman of the IPL, recently alluded to a noteworthy development. According to him, the tournament may be extended to 94 matches starting with the 2028 Indian Premier League as part of the new cycle.
This addition may potentially change the IPL’s format and atmosphere.
He acknowledged that it would only be dependent on player availability and a wider tournament window. The format of this competition will then resemble those of the main football leagues worldwide.
If it is enforced, the IPL may come to resemble a football season and lose its reputation as a high-energy summer event. Leagues such as the English Premier League and La Liga, for example, have 20 clubs and each team plays 38 games, 19 of which are at home and 19 of which are away. These games are typically played across nine months, from August to May.
Likewise, an IPL with 94 matches would take at least four months to finish, which is a considerable extension from its current tenure of little over two months. International cricket calendars may be impacted by this, as players prefer to participate in bilateral series and ICC tournaments are already full year-round.
Typically, football games take place on weekends (Friday through Sunday) and last approximately 90 minutes. By comparison, IPL matches last three to four hours, which makes a lengthier tournament season more taxing on players’ bodies and minds as well as spectators. Additionally, supporters may eventually lose interest in a lengthy season.
Football players mostly play in friendly matches and the World Cup once every four years, but club obligations frequently take precedence over international responsibilities. With bilateral series, Test matches, and ICC competitions like the World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions Trophy, cricket players, nevertheless, place a great deal of emphasis on representing their country.
In conclusion, the IPL 2028 might mirror a football league season in both structure and length if it grows to a 94-match format. While there may be a number of opportunities, the fast-paced IPL format may be diluted, and attention may decline.
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