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👉 Check Today's Deals on Amazon IndiaIPL Chairman Discusses Potential Expansion of the Tournament
Challenges of Expanding the IPL Schedule
Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Singh Dhumal has opened up about the potential for expanding the IPL from its current 74 matches. While there is substantial demand for more games, the primary obstacle is the congested international cricket calendar. In an interview with the Financial Times, Dhumal emphasized that increasing the number of matches to 84 or even 94 depends largely on finding additional time slots within the global cricket schedule.
The Future Tours Programme’s Limitations
Dhumal pointed out that the existing Future Tours Programme (FTP), which regulates international fixtures, offers limited room for expansion. “For the IPL to move from 74 to 94 matches, we really need a bigger window,” he stated.
Currently, the tournament runs in a constrained timeframe from mid-March to the end of May. Extending the tournament beyond this period poses challenges, particularly with the arrival of the monsoon season in various parts of India. Increasing the number of matches in the same window could also lead to more double-headers, which broadcasters have expressed concerns about. “If we try to increase matches in the current window, we will end up having more double-headers. That does not work well for broadcasters,” Dhumal added.
Shift in Cricket Trends and Its Impact
Dhumal suggested that a shift in global cricket trends might create opportunities for IPL expansion. He noted that interest in bilateral series has waned as multiple cricket boards opt to create their own franchise leagues. “There is definitely less interest in some bilateral games. That is why countries are coming up with their own leagues,” he explained, citing examples such as The Hundred, Big Bash League, ILT20, SA20, and the Caribbean Premier League.
He believes that if this trend continues, cricket boards may choose to conduct fewer bilateral series, thereby creating room for tournaments like the IPL to flourish. “If this is the trend, then every country will want fewer bilaterals… and then there is scope to enlarge the IPL window,” he stated.
Collaborative Approach for Future Growth
Despite the IPL’s popularity and financial power, Dhumal highlighted the importance of collaborating with other cricket boards. “We are hoping for more discussions with all the countries and colleagues. If that works out, it should be beneficial for everyone,” he mentioned.
Looking beyond 2027, Dhumal expressed optimism about extending the IPL schedule: “Hopefully, when we decide on the next cycle, we will be able to carve out a bigger window so we can extend it beyond 74 matches.” He believes that the IPL is not only valuable to India and its players but also contributes significantly to global cricket.
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