BCCI Plans Major IPL Schedule Shift Amid Heat and Rain Concerns | Reports

BCCI may shift the IPL schedule to mid-March and conclude the tournament by mid-May to avoid heat and rain disruptions.

The BCCI is considering an earlier start for future IPL seasons after weather disruptions affected several matches during IPL 2026. The tournament began on March 28 this year and concluded on May 31, but rain and extreme heat created problems for players and spectators across multiple venues. One match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings ended without a result because of rain.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia clarified that the board is not seriously discussing an expansion from 74 to 94 matches at present. Instead, officials are focusing on improving playing conditions and fan comfort.

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Saikia said the board could shift the IPL window forward by around 15 days, with plans to begin the tournament near March 15 and finish by May 15. He explained that high temperatures during afternoon games and pre-monsoon rain in late May made conditions difficult for both players and supporters during IPL 2026.

“We (BCCI) are not taking that issue seriously because, as in previous years, the IPL continued for more than two months. It was two months, two days this year, to be precise,” he said to Hindustan Times.

“Last year, there was an extension because of a one-week suspension in between. The only concern we are feeling, and it is in our discussion, is that while the tournament continued till 31st May, some venues are either showing signs of rain or experiencing high temperatures,” Saikia continued.

“So, we may be exploring ways to bring IPL forward by another 15 days. This year, we started it around March 28. We’ll try to bring IPL a bit ahead of the season, maybe by March 15. We are working on it and finish and close it by May 15 so that the rigours of the warm weather or the rain will not have any impact on the players as well as the crowd and the fans, which is very important because to watch a match, especially the matches in the hot sun, it is very difficult and very uncomfortable for the fans also because of the high temperature in some of the venues,” he added.

Saikia also said the board has not completely ruled out expanding the IPL from 74 to 94 matches in the future, but no immediate discussions are taking place. He noted that the BCCI must carefully coordinate with the Future Tours Programme and international commitments involving bilateral series and ICC events.

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For now, the BCCI remains focused on adjusting the tournament window to reduce the impact of heat and rain on players and fans.