The future scheduling of the Indian Premier League (IPL) could see a major change, with IPL chairman Arun Dhumal revealing that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering moving the tournament from its traditional March-May window to a different period in the year.
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has largely been held during the Indian summer. However, with plans to increase the number of matches from 2028 onwards, the BCCI is now exploring whether a different time slot could better suit players, broadcasters and global cricket calendars.
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September-October Window Under Consideration
Speaking to Sportstar, Dhumal said that one of the strongest suggestions has been to conduct the tournament during September and October. According to him, the period is commercially attractive because it falls just before the festive Diwali season, making it highly beneficial from an advertising perspective.
“We need to sit across and speak to the broadcaster for their opinion on whether the tournament can be moved to another window. One suggestion was a window in September-October. That is the best time from an advertiser’s point of view because it is just before Diwali,” Dhumal said.
The IPL currently features 74 matches involving 10 franchises and runs for nearly two months. The tournament attracts some of the biggest cricketers from around the world and remains one of the most-watched sporting leagues globally.
Extreme Heat Becoming A Serious Concern
One of the biggest reasons behind the possible shift is the extreme weather conditions during May in India. Several IPL venues witness scorching temperatures during the peak summer period, creating difficult playing conditions for cricketers.
Over the years, multiple players have struggled with dehydration, cramps and fatigue during matches. Intense heat has also raised concerns over injuries and player recovery, especially considering the demanding nature of T20 cricket.
Dhumal admitted that weather conditions are now becoming a serious challenge for organisers.
“Weather is another challenge that we are facing now with May getting very hot,” he added.
Player Fatigue Also A Key Factor
Apart from weather, player workload management is another major issue being discussed. Most international cricketers remain occupied with bilateral series and ICC events until late February or March. As a result, many players enter the IPL almost immediately after national duty without adequate rest.
This packed cricket calendar affects both Indian and overseas stars, with several players often carrying injuries or fatigue into the tournament.
The BCCI is also considering whether a February-April window could be more suitable, while simultaneously examining the possibility of hosting the league later in the year.
Dhumal stressed that the IPL’s scheduling affects world cricket as a whole and not just Indian cricket.
“We have to do what is best for the game because IPL does not impact only the BCCI, it impacts all other cricket boards and players who play across the globe,” he said.
While no final decision has been taken yet, discussions with broadcasters and international cricket boards are expected to play a key role in shaping the future calendar of the IPL.
