Home
Indian Premier League (IPL) is set for a massive transformation from 2028, with league chairman Arun Dhumal confirming plans to expand the tournament to a 94-match format in the next media rights cycle.
The proposed expansion is expected to reshape the structure of the competition by introducing a complete home-and-away league system while retaining the current 10-team setup. The move is being viewed as a major strategic step by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to strengthen the league’s long-term commercial and sporting appeal.
IPL planning return to full home-and-away league structure
Under the current format, the IPL operates with 74 matches and uses a virtual group system to accommodate 10 franchises within a limited tournament window. However, from 2028 onwards, the BCCI intends to move towards a full double round-robin format in which every team faces every other side twice — once at home and once away.
According to Dhumal, the league does not currently plan to add more franchises despite the increase in matches.
"With the given set of teams, only we can go for more number of matches," Dhumal said.
"So it doesn't make sense as of now to increase the number of teams. Because if we have to have an equal number of home and away matches, from 74 we can go up to 94. That would be the ideal situation."
The expanded format would effectively bring back the balanced league structure that existed during the IPL’s earlier eight-team era before scheduling pressures forced structural changes following the addition of two new franchises.
ICC calendar remains biggest hurdle for IPL expansion
The biggest obstacle standing in the way of the 94-match format is the packed international cricket calendar under the ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP), which is currently locked until 2027.
At present, the IPL operates within a 60-to-65-day slot, making a 94-match tournament difficult without a heavy increase in double-headers — something broadcasters are reportedly not keen on because of concerns around viewership fragmentation and advertising value.
"Since the bilaterals are locked in till 2027, we would need a bigger window to raise the number of games from 74 to 94," Dhumal explained.
"So we are looking for a bigger window post-2027 bilateral cycle. In case we can get that, we will definitely try to have 94 games."
The proposed overhaul is also aimed at simplifying the points table and improving fan engagement. League officials reportedly believe that a single-table format similar to football leagues would offer better narrative continuity and reduce the mid-season viewership dip experienced under the current structure.
Despite calls for more franchises, the BCCI appears determined to retain the 10-team model to avoid stretching the domestic talent pool and overextending the tournament calendar.
ADVERTISEMENT
