The IPL window is likely to be scheduled before the normal window. (Image: X)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a significant schedule change for the Indian Premier League (IPL), with plans to start the tournament before the 2027 season. The move aims to minimize the impact of extreme weather conditions on players, fans and match operations.BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia revealed that discussions are underway to shift the IPL window to around March 10-May 15 instead of the traditional late March to late May. The proposed change will coincide with the league’s historic 20th edition in 2027.

Climate concerns prompt proposed change

Speaking to PTI, BCCI’s Devjit Saikia believes that the latter stages of the IPL have been affected by rising temperatures and the possibility of pre-monsoon rain in many parts of the country. “This year, the IPL started around March 29 (28) and it ended by May 31,” Saikia told PTI. The only thing we are discussing is that there is a possibility of rain in the final stages of the tournament after May 15 or the start of the pre-monsoon season. On the other hand, there is hot weather which is not very favorable for either the players or the spectators. He said that the board is considering extending the tournament by about two weeks.“Therefore, discussions are going on within the BCCI as well as our IPL Governing Council on whether we can start the tournament a little before the end of March,” he said.“From next year, we will make an effort and I have already instructed our general manager (game development) (former fast bowler AB Kuruvilla) to look at the window if we can start it by March 10 and finish it by May 15. Saikia said, so that there are no adverse weather conditions before the playoffs and final of IPL 2027, which will be the 20th edition. Saikia also revealed that both players and fans have raised concerns over the state of the game.“I am hearing a lot of complaints from fans as well as players, as all the players are not very well equipped or adapted to play in such hot conditions, therefore, in order to provide a pleasant atmosphere for the tournament, we want to call it off till May 15. “This is our first target now, and it is a major area of ​​concern for next year’s 20th edition of the IPL, which will be a big event,” he said.

No plan to increase match number

Despite periodic discussions about increasing the size of the tournament, Saikia clarified that there are no plans at the moment to expand the IPL beyond the current 74-match format.“…It is not possible at the moment because we have to consider many other factors with regard to different players coming from different countries. With a lot of difficulties we are getting this two-month window,” he said.Saikia categorically said, “It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries will also have to pay for bilateral matches… So at this moment there is no discussion about increasing the number of matches from 74 to 94. It is not happening immediately.”