The Indian Premier League could witness one of its biggest structural changes from the 2028 season, with IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal revealing that plans are being considered to expand the tournament by adding more matches and increasing its duration within the international cricket calendar.
According to reports, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is exploring the possibility of increasing the number of IPL matches by around 20 games beyond the current format. At present, the tournament features 74 matches involving 10 franchises, with teams not playing every opponent twice during the league stage because of scheduling limitations.
The proposed expansion is expected to create a more balanced league structure while also strengthening the tournament’s commercial and global reach. Cricket analysts believe the move reflects the continued growth of the IPL as one of the most successful sporting leagues in the world.
Arun Dhumal reportedly stated that discussions regarding expansion are linked to the future scheduling cycle after the current media rights agreement concludes. The proposed changes are likely to be considered from 2028 onward, giving administrators time to coordinate with international cricket boards and scheduling authorities.
Since its launch in 2008, the IPL has transformed the financial and entertainment landscape of cricket. The league has become a global sporting brand attracting international players, broadcasters, sponsors, and millions of viewers across multiple countries. Its commercial success has also influenced the growth of franchise-based cricket tournaments worldwide.
If additional matches are introduced, franchises could potentially face every team twice during the league phase, creating a more complete round-robin format. Experts say this would improve competitive fairness and provide fans with more high-profile contests during the season.
The expansion could also result in a larger exclusive window for the IPL in the global cricket calendar. Over the years, many cricket boards have adjusted bilateral schedules to allow players to participate in the league. A longer IPL season may require even greater international coordination regarding player availability and scheduling management.
Industry observers believe that an extended tournament would further increase broadcasting revenues, digital streaming engagement, sponsorship opportunities, and stadium attendance. The IPL already generates significant economic activity for franchises, advertisers, tourism, and sports infrastructure sectors in India.
At the same time, discussions around a longer tournament have also raised concerns regarding player workload and calendar congestion. Modern cricketers often participate in multiple international and franchise competitions throughout the year, making workload management an important issue for boards and team managements.
Several former cricketers and analysts have said that balancing international cricket with expanding franchise tournaments will become a major challenge in the coming years. However, many also acknowledge that the IPL’s commercial success and audience popularity make further expansion highly likely.
Fans have reacted positively to the reports, with many expressing excitement about the possibility of more matches and an extended season. Social media discussions have focused on how the league format could evolve and whether future expansion may eventually include additional franchises.
The IPL continues to remain one of the most-watched cricket tournaments globally, attracting leading international players and generating record-breaking viewership numbers each season.
While no final announcement has been made regarding the exact format or scheduling changes, reports suggest that long-term planning discussions are actively underway within cricket administration circles.
The proposed expansion from 2028 could mark another major milestone in the evolution of the IPL and further strengthen its position as the world’s leading franchise cricket competition.