BCCI Secretary Hints at Early Start to IPL 2027

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has indicated the IPL may start earlier from next season to avoid extreme heat and pre-monsoon rains disrupting matches in the second half of May.

"This year, IPL started around March 29, and it was over by May 31. Only thing which we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament after May 15… there is apprehension of having rainfall or pre-monsoon season starting," Saikia told PTI.

"On the other hand, there is hot weather which is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds."

Saikia said he's targeting a March 10 to May 15 window for the tournament.

"From next year, we will make an effort… to look for the windows, whether we can start it by 10th of March and conclude it by 15th of May. So that there are no adverse weather conditions in the run-up to the playoffs and the finals of IPL 2027, which will be the 20th edition," he said.

"I'm hearing a lot of complaints from the fans as well as from the players… To provide a pleasant atmosphere for the tournament, we want to close it by 15th of May."

Notably, the Border-Gavaskar series at home (five Tests) is scheduled until March 3, while England and Australia players will be occupied with the 150th Anniversary Test at Lord's from March 11-15.

No League-Stage Expansion for Now

Saikia confirmed that expanding the league stage beyond 74 matches is not possible at the moment. Since 2022, the 10-team IPL has featured 70 league fixtures and four playoffs. The idea of increasing to 94 matches has been parked.

"That is not feasible right at this moment because we have to consider many other factors regarding various players coming from various nations," Saikia said. "With lot of difficulties we are getting this two months window. It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries also have to play bilateral matches."

"In course of later years, I do not know what will be the position but right at this moment, I don't see any possibility of increasing it from 74 to 94 matches."

Saikia noted domestic cricket runs from around August with the Irani Trophy through to the Ranji Trophy final in March, and said they may "squeeze in some of the matches, so that we finish our domestic cricket by 10th of March, so that we can start it (the IPL) immediately."