BCCI Announces Major Expansion for IPL: Transition to 94 Matches by 2028
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A New Era for the Indian Premier League
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to undergo a major evolution in the coming years. According to recent announcements by IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to expand the tournament from its current 74-match schedule to a sprawling 94-match calendar starting in 2028. This shift marks a return to a more traditional, symmetrical competition format that cricket purists have long awaited.
Currently, the IPL stands as one of the longest and most demanding T20 franchise tournaments globally, with a duration spanning approximately two and a half months. While most international T20 leagues conclude within a window of four to six weeks, the immense popularity and commercial demand of the IPL have sustained its extended format. However, the move to 94 matches signifies a strategic pivot in how the league is structured and consumed.
Transitioning to a Full Home-and-Away Format
The core objective of the expansion is to discard the current virtual group system, which was implemented to manage the complexities of a 10-team league. In the current 74-match model, teams are divided into two virtual groups based on historical performance, leading to an uneven distribution of fixtures. Under the proposed 2028 model, every team will play every other team twice—once at home and once away.
Arun Dhumal clarified that the number of franchises will remain capped at 10. Expanding the team count is not on the agenda; instead, the focus is on optimizing the existing pool of talent to provide a balanced competitive experience. By ensuring that each team visits every other franchise’s home ground, the BCCI aims to restore the integrity and predictability of the tournament’s league table.
Why the 2028 Timeline?
Many fans have questioned why this change is not being implemented immediately. The answer lies in the constraints of the international calendar. The ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) has already locked in bilateral cricket commitments through 2027. Currently, the BCCI operates within a 60 to 65-day window for the IPL, which cannot accommodate the logistical requirements of a 94-match tournament. Dhumal explained that the board is looking toward the post-2027 cycle, where a larger window will allow for the necessary expansion without clashing with international obligations.
Addressing Viewership Trends and Fatigue
The decision to expand comes at a time when the BCCI is closely monitoring shifting viewer habits. Recent data from the 2026 season indicated a noticeable dip in viewership—roughly 15% to 20%—during the middle phase of the tournament. The reality of modern cricket is that spectators are often inundated with content, from the T20 World Cup to back-to-back bilateral series and the IPL itself.
There is a growing concern regarding ‘cricket fatigue’ among fans. The complexity of the current virtual group system has, at times, made the points table difficult for casual viewers to follow. By moving to a standard double-legged round-robin format, the league aims to emulate the consistency found in major global football leagues. A simpler, more straightforward format is expected to help maintain viewer engagement throughout the two-and-a-half-month period, potentially revitalizing interest during the mid-season slump.
What Changes for the Fans and Teams?
For the teams, this shift will demand greater squad depth and physical endurance. A 94-match tournament implies more travel and less recovery time between games. For fans, it promises the return of the ‘home advantage’ narrative, where every stadium gets to host a complete set of opponents. As we look toward 2028, the IPL continues to cement its status as a commercial juggernaut, constantly adapting to stay at the forefront of the global sporting landscape.
