The IPL 2026 season was held from March 28 to May 31. However, the Board is now evaluating the possibility of advancing the schedule by at least two weeks to reduce the impact of intense heat and pre-monsoon conditions that affect several venues, particularly in northern India and Ahmedabad.
Speaking to PTI in an exclusive interview, Devajit Saikia said discussions are underway within the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council regarding the revised schedule. He said that after May 15, there is a possibility of rainfall and the onset of pre-monsoon weather, while extreme temperatures during the latter stages of the tournament are also not suitable for players and spectators.
Saikia said the Board intends to create a more comfortable atmosphere for the competition and has already instructed General Manager of Games Development and former fast bowler Abey Kuruvilla to explore available windows for the tournament. According to him, the effort is to begin the competition on March 10 and conclude it by May 15 so that adverse weather conditions do not affect the playoffs and final of IPL 2027, which will mark the league's 20th season.
The BCCI Secretary acknowledged that the Board has received complaints from both players and supporters regarding the severe heat in northern and western parts of the country. He said many players are not fully equipped or acclimatised to perform in such extreme temperatures and that ensuring comfortable conditions for players and crowds has become a priority.
Despite earlier expectations that the number of matches could rise from 74 to 94 following the addition of Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, Saikia clarified that such an expansion is not being considered at present. He said securing a two-month window itself involves considerable challenges because players come from different countries and international cricket schedules must also be accommodated.
Saikia said extending the tournament beyond two months would be difficult as other cricket boards have bilateral commitments to fulfil. He made it clear that there are currently no discussions about increasing the number of matches from 74 to 94 and that such a move will not happen immediately.
The proposed shift in the IPL calendar reflects the BCCI's focus on player welfare and spectator comfort as preparations begin for the landmark 20th edition of the world's most popular franchise cricket tournament.
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