The Indian Premier League (IPL) is gearing up for significant changes, with plans to expand to 94 matches per season starting in 2028. According to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, the BCCI is in talks with the International Cricket Council (ICC) to make the home-and-away format a reality, allowing each team to play against every other team both at home and away.
The move comes after the IPL expanded to 74 matches per season in 2022 with the addition of two new teams—Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants. However, Dhumal believes that a further increase in the number of games is necessary to make the IPL an even bigger spectacle.
Why the IPL is Expanding
Dhumal explained that the IPL’s expanding popularity has made it essential to explore ways to increase the value for stakeholders in the game. A move to 94 matches, which would involve each team playing home and away, is seen as a way to elevate the quality and appeal of the competition.
“We’ve been discussing with ICC and within BCCI about expanding the IPL. We are looking at the possibility of increasing the number of games to 94, which would allow teams to play against each other both home and away,” Dhumal said.
However, he acknowledged the logistical challenges of fitting in such a large number of games, given the existing commitments with bilateral cricket series and ICC events. While it may not be feasible in the short term, Dhumal expressed optimism that IPL could eventually make this shift.
No Plans for More IPL Teams
Despite the increased number of matches, Dhumal confirmed that there are no immediate plans to increase the number of IPL teams. For now, the 10 teams currently competing in the IPL are seen as the optimal number.
“Ten is a good number for now. The focus is on maintaining the quality of the competition and sustaining the interest of fans. Any future decisions about increasing the number of teams will depend on how the landscape evolves,” Dhumal said.
Future of IPL 2025
The IPL 2025 season is shaping up to be a competitive one, with teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, and Punjab Kings performing exceptionally well. These franchises have yet to win an IPL title, and Dhumal expressed his hope that one of these teams could claim the trophy this season.
“I would love to see a team that has never won the IPL lift the trophy this year. Teams like Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have shown great promise, and it would be fantastic for the tournament to have a new winner,” Dhumal added.
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