There is a heavy T20 calendar starting February, with the T20 World Cup scheduled from 7 February to 8 March. This will be followed by the IPL from 26 March to 31 May, raising questions about player workload and fatigue.
IPL Chairman Not Worried About Fatigue
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said the tight schedule is beyond the league’s control. He explained that the IPL operates within a fixed window allotted by the ICC to ensure global player participation.
Loyal Audience Keeps IPL Strong
Dhumal said the IPL has built a loyal audience over the years. Speaking to National Herald, he noted that viewership has remained strong despite competition from other leagues. The Pakistan Super League now partly overlaps with IPL fixtures.
Plan to Increase Matches by 2028
The IPL is targeting an expansion from 74 to 94 matches by 2028. This change is planned alongside the next media rights cycle. A 94 match season would allow all 10 teams to play each other twice, both home and away.
Split IPL Season Under Discussion
To accommodate more matches, a split window is being discussed. Dhumal said this could reduce excessive double headers. A possible window around September October, before the Australian season, is being explored, though monsoon conditions remain a factor.
2025 Season Faced Unique Challenges
The 2025 IPL season was delayed by over a week due to Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam massacre. Despite the disruption, the league managed to complete the season while maintaining competitive balance.
Mini Auction Sparks Debate
The December mini auction drew attention for high bids on uncapped players. All rounder Prashant Veer and wicketkeeper batter Kartik Sharma were signed by Chennai Super Kings for Rs 14.2 crore each, which is rare for newcomers.
Pressure Can Motivate Young Players
Dhumal said such price tags can motivate players. He added that young cricketers are now more responsible about their careers. He cited past examples of players failing to meet expectations during his time as BCCI treasurer under Sourav Ganguly.
No Rush to Expand WPL
On the Women’s Premier League, Dhumal said India’s Women’s World Cup win last November has boosted interest. However, he confirmed there are no immediate plans to expand the league beyond five teams.
Focus on Quality and Stability
Dhumal stressed the need to strengthen the WPL first. He said long term success will inspire girls from smaller towns to take up cricket. Expansion will only be considered once the league becomes stronger and more stable.
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