IPL Set for Massive Expansion: 94 Matches Likely from 2028
IPL Set for Massive Expansion: 94 Matches Likely from 2028
The Indian Premier League is already the biggest franchise T20 league in the world, and the BCCI now appears determined to make it even bigger in the coming years.
The IPL could witness a major change from the 2028 season onward. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has revealed that the BCCI is looking at bringing back a complete home-away format for every team.
What Does This Mean for the Tournament?
If the plan gets approved, each franchise will play nine matches at home and nine away during the league stage. That would increase the total number of matches in a season from 74 to 94.
Historically, the IPL followed a proper home-away format when the tournament had eight teams. Every side played seven home games and seven away games. However, things changed after the addition of Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans in 2022.
Since then, the IPL has used a different structure with 10 teams divided into two groups. Every team still plays 14 league matches, but they do not face every opponent equally during the season.
A More Balanced Tournament
Many fans have often questioned this format because some teams get easier schedules compared to others. A full home-away system could solve that issue and make the tournament more balanced.
Dhumal made it clear that the BCCI is not thinking about adding more teams at the moment. Instead, the board wants to focus on increasing the number of matches.
Quote from Dhumal: “With the given set of teams, only we can go for more number of matches,” Dhumal was quoted as saying by India Today. “So it doesn’t make sense as of now to increase the number of teams. Because if we have to have an equal number of home and away matches, from 74 we can go up to 94. That would be the ideal situation,” he added.
Benefits of Expansion
A 94-match IPL season would give fans more high-profile clashes and additional home games for every franchise. Teams would also benefit financially through ticket sales, sponsorships, and stronger fan engagement at their home venues.
However, the biggest challenge remains the international cricket calendar. At present, the bilateral schedule is locked until 2027, which leaves the BCCI with only a limited window to conduct the IPL every year. Expanding the tournament will require a longer slot in the future calendar.
Dhumal on the Challenge: “Since the bilaterals are locked in till 2027, we would need a bigger window to raise the number of games from 74 to 94. So we are looking for a bigger window post-2027 bilateral cycle. In case we can get that, we will definitely try to have 94 games,” Dhumal explained.
- The proposed expansion would increase the number of matches from 74 to 94.
- A complete home-away format would be introduced for every team.
- The BCCI is not planning to add more teams at the moment.
- The expansion would require a longer window in the international cricket calendar.
