Arun Dhumal Addresses Bigger IPL Window With Likely More Matches After 2027

Arun Dhumal signals a potential IPL expansion to 94 matches with a longer window after the 2027 FTP cycle amid shifting global cricket priorities.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) may be set for a major expansion once the current Future Tours Programme (FTP) cycle concludes in 2027. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal revealed that discussions are likely to begin around extending the tournament window and increasing the number of matches from the current 74 to potentially 94.

Since the introduction of two new franchises in 2022, the scheduling constraints of a packed international calendar have meant that not all teams play each other twice during the league phase. However, this format could be revised in the next cycle if more space is created in the global calendar.

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Decline in Bilateral Interest Driving Change

Dhumal highlighted a noticeable shift in global cricket trends, where bilateral series are seeing reduced interest, while franchise leagues are gaining traction worldwide.

“If you look at the transition over the last few years, there is definitely less interest in some bilateral games. That is why countries are coming up with their own leagues: the England and Wales Cricket Board’s The Hundred, Australia’s Big Bash League, the UAE’s International League T20, South Africa’s SA20 and the Caribbean Premier League,” Dhumal told The Financial Times.

He further explained how this shift could open doors for a longer IPL season. “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. We are hoping for more discussions with all the countries and colleagues. If that works out, it should work out for everyone,” he added.

Multiple Options to Extend IPL Window

According to Dhumal, while the current FTP cycle is fixed until 2027, future planning will include conversations around accommodating a longer IPL window that benefits global cricket as a whole.

“It [the bilateral calendar] makes sense, and it is already locked until 2027. But when they plan post-2027, we will have discussions. 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,” he said.

He also outlined possible scheduling solutions to achieve this expansion. “There are different possibilities. One is reducing some bilaterals. Another is carving out a window elsewhere. In case we get some windows during September or October, when you have the end of the English season and before the start of the Australian season, then if we have a few days available there, we can extend at that time. So all those possibilities can be worked out and whatever works best, we will do,” he explained.