Big Change Coming in IPL Schedule!
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has indicated that the board is seriously considering shifting the IPL calendar to protect players and spectators from extreme heat and pre-monsoon rains.
The 2027 season will be the 20th edition of the IPL, and the BCCI wants to make it memorable. In recent years, temperatures in several parts of the country have soared to 40-45 degrees Celsius during the IPL. States like Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Gujarat have seen players struggle with the heat.
Devajit Saikia admitted that the BCCI has been receiving regular complaints from both players and spectators. Many foreign players find it difficult to adjust to Indian weather conditions, while fans sitting in stadiums also face discomfort. Additionally, pre-monsoon rains in the second half of May often threaten the playoffs and final.
The BCCI is now exploring the option of starting the IPL nearly two weeks earlier. The board has asked its Games Development department to work on a possible window. The plan is to end the domestic cricket season a little earlier so that the IPL can begin around March 10 and finish by May 15. This will give players better weather conditions and improve the spectator experience.
### Will the number of matches increase?
There were speculations that the number of IPL matches could be increased from 74 to 94, but the BCCI has rejected this possibility for now. Devajit Saikia clearly stated that it is already very difficult to find a two-month window for the IPL in the international cricket calendar. Adding 20 extra matches is not practical.
He emphasised that the IPL is not just India’s tournament but belongs to cricketers from all over the world. Availability of players from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and the West Indies also needs to be ensured.
The proposed early start of the IPL may also affect the domestic cricket calendar. The BCCI wants all major domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, to conclude by the first week of March. This will require better scheduling of domestic cricket so that players get adequate rest and preparation time.
