BCCI Considering Earlier IPL Start from 2027 to Avoid Extreme Weather

IPL window likely to be scheduled earlier than usual window. (Image: X)

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a significant scheduling change for the Indian Premier League (IPL), with plans to begin the tournament earlier from the 2027 season. The move is aimed at reducing the impact of extreme weather conditions on players, fans, and match operations. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that discussions are underway to shift the IPL window to approximately March 10-May 15, instead of the traditional late March to late May schedule. The proposed change would coincide with the league's landmark 20th edition in 2027.

Weather concerns drive proposed shift

Talking to PTI, BCCI's Devajit Saikia believes the latter stages of the IPL have increasingly been affected by soaring temperatures and the possibility of pre-monsoon rainfall in several parts of the country. "This year, IPL started around the March 29th (28th), 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. On the other hand, there is hot weather which is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds," Saikia said to PTI. He added that the board is looking at pushing the tournament forward by around two weeks. "So therefore, there is a discussion going on in BCCI as well as in our IPL Governing Council regarding whether we can start the tournament a little bit earlier than the fag end of March," he said. "From next year, we will make an effort and I have already instructed our General Manager (Games Development) (former pacer Abbey Kuruvilla) 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 playoff and the finals of the IPL 2027 which will be the 20th edition," Saikia added. Saikia also revealed that concerns over playing conditions have been raised by both players and fans. "I'm hearing a lot of complaints from the fans as well as from the players, because not all players are very well equipped or well acclimatised to play in such hot conditions, So, to provide a pleasant atmosphere for the tournament, we want to close it by 15th of May. That is our first goal now, and that is the prime area of concern for the next year's 20th edition of IPL, which will be a big event," he said.

No plans to increase match count

Despite periodic discussions around increasing the size of the tournament, Saikia made it clear that there are currently no plans to expand the IPL beyond its existing 74-match format. "...that is not feasible right at this moment because we have to consider many other factors regarding various players coming from various nations. With lot of difficulties we are getting this two months window," he said. "It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries also have to pay bilateral matches...So at this moment there is no discussion regarding increasing matches from 74 to 94. Not happening immediately," Saikia stated clearly.