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The Indian Premier League (IPL) may soon see its biggest change ever, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seriously thinking about moving the tournament out of the traditional March-May window. IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has revealed that the scorching heat of India and the increasing workload on the players is becoming a matter of great concern for the BCCI.
For almost two decades, the IPL has been played during March, April and May. But now, with plans to increase the number of matches after 2028, the BCCI is exploring new options to make the tournament easier for players, broadcasters, sponsors and fans.
Arun Dhumal reveals that extreme heat is becoming a major concern for IPL
One of the strongest ideas under discussion is to shift the IPL to the September-October window. The Indian Premier League currently features 10 teams and 74 matches over a rigorous two-month schedule, and players from all over the world come to India to participate in the league.
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However, playing in the extreme conditions of the Indian summer has become tougher for both players and fans with each passing season. Many places face unbearable heat in May, and players often struggle with exhaustion and dehydration during matches and practice sessions.
Arun Dhumal revealed that the BCCI feels that a longer tournament with more matches in the future may be extremely difficult in such difficult weather conditions. Because of this, discussion regarding a new window has started within the IPL Governing Council.
BCCI is considering September-October window for IPL before Diwali season
The IPL chairman shared that another big reason behind the possible change is business and advertising. In fact, the September-October window falls just before Diwali, which is considered one of the biggest seasons for brands and advertisers in India. The festive season IPL could attract even bigger sponsorship deals and record-breaking advertising revenues.
But changing the IPL window will not be easy. The BCCI will first discuss it with the broadcasters, while international schedules and availability of foreign players will also play a big role in the final decision.
“We need to sit down with the broadcasters and get their opinion on whether the tournament can be moved to another window. One suggestion was to have a window in September-October. From an advertiser’s point of view, this is the best time because it is just before Diwali. We will look at that when the next bilateral tender comes into effect, if we can get a window there,” Sportstar quoted Arun Dhumal as saying.
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IPL 2026 blockbuster has entered the final stages
The ongoing IPL 2026 season has already reached its peak, with Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) reaching the final. Now, either Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) or Rajasthan Royals (RR) will move from the Eliminator to Qualifier 2, where they will face Gujarat Titans for the final spot.
The eliminator is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 between SRH and RR at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh. Qualifier 2 between GT and SRH or RR is scheduled to be held on May 29 in New Chandigarh.
