Bigger plans for IPL 2028 as BCCI mulls 94 matches; will new franchises be added?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly charting a bold course for the Indian Premier League (IPL), proposing a 94-match season by 2028 to maximise the tournament’s global appeal.

The 94-Match Vision: Home-and-Away Format

Central to the plan is a shift to a full home-and-away format, requiring each of the 10 existing teams to play against every opponent twice, bringing the total number of league matches to 94 from the current 74 games.

However, this expansion hinges on securing a longer IPL window, a challenge given the tournament’s current March-to-May slot, which is locked until 2027 under the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Programme (FTP).

The reports in this regard came after IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed to ESPN Cricinfo that the BCCI is in talks with the ICC to reconcile scheduling conflicts, acknowledging the need to balance bilateral series, ICC events, and the IPL’s growth.

Further, an earlier proposal to expand to 84 matches by 2025 was shelved due to overlapping commitments like the Champions Trophy, but the 2028 goal aligns with the next media rights cycle, where broadcaster demand and revenue potential could justify the extended season.

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Additionally, while this signals a major leap from the current 74-game format, the board has clarified that no new franchises will be added, opting instead to focus on enhancing the quality and structure of the world’s richest T20 league.

Why New Teams Are Off the Table

Despite surging investor interest, the BCCI has firmly ruled out expanding beyond the existing 10 franchises. Dhumal emphasised that preserving the league’s competitive integrity and fan engagement outweighs short-term financial gains.

“Ten is a good number for now. Paramount is the interest in the tournament and the quality of cricket that we play… I don’t see any scope in the short term,” he said, citing the success of recent additions like Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants.

However, he maintained that such a proposal can be entertained in the future.

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Challenges Ahead

While the 94-match model promises more cricket for fans, it raises logistical hurdles. Extending the IPL window risks clashing with ICC tournaments and bilateral series, while player workload management becomes critical.

Additionally, the BCCI must ensure broadcaster buy-in, as a longer season could dilute viewer interest if not strategically scheduled.

IPL 2025: Building Momentum

As long-term plans take shape, the 2025 season is already generating excitement. Teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Capitals are strengthening their squads, while emerging Indian talents like Riyan Parag and Abhishek Sharma are drawing attention. This competitive vibrancy, Dhumal noted, underscores why the league’s quality remains non-negotiable.