The Indian Premier League (IPL) will undergo a significant change starting from the 2028 season as the BCCI plans to increase the number of games from 74 to 94 per season. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal stated that the board is working on bringing a full home and away schedule back with a total of 10 teams in the tournament.

 

Currently, the 74-match format of IPL is such that teams are divided into virtual groups. Not all teams get to play all other 9 sides twice due to the constraints in the cricket calendar. However that system is set to change with the board wanting to bring back the double round robin format from 2028.

 

Dhumal Said :

 

"The number of games has to go up. With the given set of teams only we can go for more number of matches. 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." 

 

 

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Why the BCCI is waiting for 2028?

 

The IPL is already one of the longest T20 franchise tournaments around the world running for almost two and a half months while all other T20 leagues take four to six weeks to conclude.

 

Despite growing concern over player workload and fan fatigue the BCCI has confirmed that demand for more IPL cricket is still immense. However, they cannot make the change immediately as the ICC's Future Tours Programme is currently locked in until 2027.

 

Dhumal further revealed:

 

"Since the bilaterals are locked in till 2027, we would need a bigger window to raise the number of games from 74 to 94. 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 IPL currently operates with a virtual grouping system for its 10 franchises to manage a reduced number of games. While each of the two groups (based on previous performance) has five teams all 10 franchises are included in a single table and therefore the amount of games played against each opponent is staggered. However under a 94-match schedule, every team will face each other twice – once at home and once away.

 

BCCI aims to enhance the fan experience

 

The announcement comes at a time when it was reported that the viewership numbers for IPL 2026 declined significantly during the latter stages. The sheer volume of cricket on offer ranging from bilaterals ICC tournaments and T20 leagues has led to fan burnout. The move to a full home and away cycle the BCCI is hoping will bring clarity to the competition and give fans more reason to connect with the league.

 

For now, the IPL will proceed with its existing format until the current FTP cycle concludes in 2027.