Arun Singh Dhumal on Expanding IPL Window Post-2027

Arun Singh Dhumal, chairperson of the Indian Premier League, indicated that discussions on the bilateral calendar after 2027 could explore a longer window for the IPL.

The IPL currently features 74 matches. With two new teams added, the schedule does not allow each team to play the others twice in the league phase. Dhumal acknowledged there is no space in the current calendar to expand from 74 to 94 matches.

He ruled out additional double-headers as a solution but suggested a larger window might be possible due to declining interest in some bilateral series.

"If you look at the transition over the last few years, there is definitely less interest in some bilateral games," Dhumal told The Financial Times. "That is why countries are launching their own leagues like The Hundred, Big Bash League, ILT20, SA20, and the Caribbean Premier League.

"If this trend continues, every country will prefer fewer bilaterals or those that make more financial sense, creating scope to enlarge the IPL window. We hope for more discussions with all countries. If that works out, it should benefit everyone.

"The bilateral calendar is locked until 2027. Post-2027, we will have discussions. The IPL adds value not just to India but to world cricket. Players would want more. Hopefully, in the next cycle, we can carve out a bigger window to extend beyond 74 matches."

He elaborated on possibilities: "One option is reducing some bilaterals. Another is finding a window elsewhere, such as in September or October after the English season and before the Australian season. If days are available then, we could extend. All possibilities can be explored."

Dhumal emphasized the BCCI's focus on global cricket health, calling Mustafizur Rahman's exclusion from Kolkata Knight Riders this season "unfortunate" without further comment.

He noted the IPL's central sponsorship portfolio is worth about ₹850 crore annually (~$101 million). On adding more teams, he suggested the future could involve more franchise T20 leagues and fewer bilaterals.

"There is significant investor interest in the IPL due to exceptional returns. But expansion requires a bigger window. The broader picture involves balancing bilaterals, ICC events, and league windows.

"It's not just about the IPL but also The Hundred, Big Bash, and other leagues. If these leagues are held regularly, the new world order for cricket could be fewer bilaterals, more league cricket, and ICC events in between—similar to football."

Dhumal stated there is no immediate push to expand the Women's Premier League but confirmed discussions on moving the IPL outside India.

"We've discussed it, but the calendar is tight with bilaterals, leagues, and ICC events, leaving little scope. However, we'll decide based on what benefits world cricket. If it helps cricket grow and reach more countries, we can consider it. Cricket joining the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028 should be a big boost."

Supporting IPL franchises' expansion into foreign leagues like South Africa, the UAE, and the West Indies, he added: "Cricket must grow globally. If it's through leagues rather than bilaterals, I'm glad franchise owners profiting from the cycle are helping those leagues too. As BCCI leads in cricket, it's positive that owners participate, add value, and help develop talent in those countries."