IPL Expansion in Sight: Discussions on Larger Window to Begin Post-2027, Says Arun Singh Dhumal
IPL Expansion in Sight: Discussions on Larger Window to Begin Post-2027, Says Arun Singh Dhumal
Arun Singh Dhumal, the chairperson of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has indicated that conversations regarding an expanded window for the tournament will take place after 2027. This comes as the IPL currently operates on a 74-match schedule, which does not allow all ten teams—including the newly added Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans—to play each other twice in the league phase.
Dhumal emphasized that the current calendar leaves no room to increase the matches to 94 without major adjustments. He dismissed the idea of adding more double-headers as impractical but highlighted the evolving landscape of international cricket. "If you look at the transition over the last few years, there is definitely less interest in some bilateral games," Dhumal told The Financial Times. He pointed to the proliferation of domestic T20 leagues worldwide, such as England's The Hundred, Australia's Big Bash League, the UAE's International League T20, South Africa's SA20, and the Caribbean Premier League, as evidence of this shift.
"That is why countries are coming up with their own leagues... If this is the trend, then every country will want fewer bilaterals, or bilaterals that make more financial sense for them, and then there is scope to enlarge the IPL window," he added. Dhumal stressed that the bilateral calendar is fixed until 2027, but post-2027 planning will involve discussions with other cricket nations. He underscored the IPL's global value: "The IPL is not only adding value to India and Indian players; it is adding value to world cricket at large. So all these players would want more. Hopefully, when we decide on the next cycle, we will be able to carve out a bigger window so we can extend it beyond 74."
Potential strategies for expansion include reducing bilateral series or identifying new windows, such as in September or October, bridging the end of the English season and the start of Australia's. "There are different possibilities. One is reducing some bilaterals. Another is carving out a window elsewhere... So all those possibilities can be worked out and whatever works best, we will do," Dhumal explained.
Beyond the schedule, Dhumal addressed broader implications for cricket's future, envisioning a "new world order" with fewer bilaterals, more franchise T20 leagues, and ICC events interspersed, akin to football's structure. He noted strong investor interest in the IPL due to its exceptional returns but cautioned that further team additions would require a larger window. The league's central sponsorship portfolio now stands at approximately INR 850 crore annually, or about $101 million.
Dhumal also touched on the Women's Premier League, stating there is no immediate push to expand teams, and discussed the possibility of hosting the IPL abroad, though the packed calendar limits options. "We have discussed it many times, but the calendar is tight with bilaterals, leagues and ICC events, so there is not much scope," he said. However, with cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, he sees potential for global growth.
Supporting IPL franchises' involvement in overseas leagues like those in South Africa, the UAE, and the West Indies, Dhumal affirmed the BCCI's leadership role. "Cricket has to grow across the globe. If it is not going through bilaterals and it is going through leagues, then I am happy that franchise owners who are making money in the cycle are taking responsibility to help those leagues too," he remarked.
In a brief comment on player exclusions, Dhumal called the omission of Bangladesh's Mustafizur Rahman from the Kolkata Knight Riders this season "unfortunate," without delving into the political aspects, while reiterating the BCCI's commitment to the health of both Indian and global cricket.