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The Indian Premier League (IPL) could be huge in the next few years and could bring about a major change in the international cricket calendar. The BCCI is considering various options to increase the number of IPL matches and one of the biggest possibilities is to reduce some bilateral series between the countries.
Since the 2022 season, the IPL has been a 74-match tournament. But BCCI wants to make it a 94-match competition so that all 10 teams can play each other both home and away. This will add 20 more matches and give fans many more games to enjoy throughout the season.
BCCI plans massive IPL expansion with 94-match format
However, the biggest problem is scheduling. The international cricket calendar is already packed with ICC tournaments, bilateral series and franchise leagues from around the world. This makes it difficult to find enough space for 20 additional IPL matches.
Earlier, IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal had also said that expanding the tournament to 94 matches is part of BCCI’s long-term plans and this can happen in the future.
One idea being discussed is to start the IPL in the first week of March instead of the end of this month. This will provide enough time to finish all 94 matches before the monsoon season begins in India as the impact of the IPL is being widely appreciated across the world.
“We cannot play 94 matches in the current window because monsoon starts after May. Either we split it into two parts or we do it from the first week of March and keep it till May 15. This would be the best window when 94 matches would be played,” PTI quoted a BCCI source as saying.
BCCI is considering bilateral series to create more space
If this plan goes ahead, the bilateral series may be most affected. The BCCI is reportedly reviewing whether some international series can be shortened as many countries now have their own T20 leagues and are not completely dependent on India hosting for revenue.
“We also need to look at the feasibility of bilateral series going forward. Every country has its own league; they are not completely dependent on India hosting the series. So, we need to look at the feasibility of bilateral series going forward,” the BCCI source said.
Will IPL become bigger by 2028?
Another reason behind this plan is the broadcasters and fans. That being said, bilateral series no longer hold the same excitement as before, with many fans now showing more interest in franchise cricket. Although a final decision has not been taken yet, discussions are on to start a bigger IPL schedule from the 2028 season.
He further said, “Broadcasters do not see any value in some of the bilateral series already being played. If cricket has to go the way of football, all boards have to be on board.”
The plan is still under consideration. The calendar has also become busier as the ICC now hosts a major global tournament almost every year. And then, there is the Asia Cup, and regular international tours leave very little free space in the schedule.