IPL likely to be scrapped from March-May window, confirms Arun Dhumal – IPL to Shift from March-May? BCCI Considers New Schedule Window

A Major Shift on the Horizon for the IPL

For nearly two decades, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been synonymous with the Indian summer. From March through May, cricket fans across the globe have tuned in to witness the world’s most popular T20 league. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now contemplating a historic change that could redefine the tournament’s future.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal recently confirmed that the governing body is seriously evaluating moving the tournament out of its traditional spring window. As the league continues to expand, the dual pressures of extreme weather conditions and an increasing player workload have forced the board to rethink the current schedule.

The Challenge of the Indian Summer

The primary driver behind this potential shift is the brutal reality of the Indian climate. Playing high-intensity cricket during the peak of summer has become increasingly difficult. Players frequently struggle with exhaustion and dehydration, while fans attending matches face scorching temperatures that reach uncomfortable levels throughout April and May. With the BCCI planning to expand the number of matches after 2028, the current logistical framework is being viewed as unsustainable under existing weather conditions.

The September-October Proposal

Among the various options under consideration, the September-October window has emerged as a frontrunner. This timeframe offers a strategic advantage that goes beyond player comfort. By aligning the tournament with the pre-Diwali period, the BCCI aims to capitalize on what is arguably the most lucrative season for advertisers and brands in India.

Arun Dhumal noted that the festive timing could significantly boost sponsorship deals and overall advertisement revenue. “We need to sit across from and speak to the broadcaster for their opinion,” Dhumal stated in a recent interview. “One suggestion was a window in September-October. That is the best time from an advertiser’s point of view because it’s just before Diwali. We will look at that when the next bilateral tender comes into play.”

Complexities of Rescheduling

While the business case for a shift is compelling, the BCCI acknowledges that such a transition involves a complex web of stakeholders. Any change to the IPL calendar must be carefully negotiated with broadcasters, who have significant investments in the current model. Furthermore, the global cricket ecosystem presents its own challenges; the availability of international players and the crowded nature of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) mean that any decision must be made in coordination with other cricket boards worldwide.

The IPL Governing Council has already initiated internal discussions to assess the feasibility of these changes. The goal is to ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved—from the athletes on the field to the millions of fans watching from home.

Current Focus: The 2026 Climax

While the long-term future of the IPL schedule remains a topic of debate, the focus remains firmly on the conclusion of the 2026 season. The tournament has reached a fever pitch, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) having already secured their place in the final. The path to the trophy remains intense, with the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 matches set to determine the final opponent.

The Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) is scheduled for May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. The winner of that clash will move on to face the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on May 29, with the victor earning the final spot in the championship match.

As the BCCI navigates these potential structural changes, the league remains focused on delivering high-quality cricket. Whether the IPL eventually moves to the autumn months or finds another solution to the summer heat, the commitment to evolving the tournament to meet modern demands remains a top priority for the board.