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The Indian Premier League (IPL) could witness its biggest change ever soon, as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is seriously thinking about shifting the tournament out of the traditional March-May window. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has revealed that the extreme Indian summer and growing workload on players are becoming major concerns for the BCCI.
For almost two decades, the IPL has been played during March, April, and May. But now, with plans to increase the number of matches after 2028, the BCCI is exploring fresh options to make the tournament smoother for players, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans.
Arun Dhumal reveals extreme summer heat becoming major concern for IPL
One of the strongest ideas under discussion is to move the IPL to the September-October window. The Indian Premier League currently features 10 teams and 74 matches packed into a tight two-month schedule, and players from around the world travel to India to take part in the league.
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However, playing in peak Indian summer conditions has become tougher for both the players and fans with every passing season. Several venues face unbearable heat in May, and players often struggle with exhaustion and dehydration during matches and practice sessions.
Arun Dhumal revealed that the BCCI feels that a longer tournament with even more matches in future could become extremely difficult in such tough weather conditions. Because of this, discussions have already started inside the IPL Governing Council about a new window.
BCCI considering September-October window for IPL ahead of Diwali season
The IPL chairman shared that another big reason behind the possible shift is business and advertising. Actually, the September-October window falls just before Diwali, which is considered one of the biggest seasons for brands and advertisers in India. A festive-season IPL could attract even bigger sponsorship deals and record-breaking advertisement revenue.
But changing the IPL window will not be easy. The BCCI will first discuss it with broadcasters, while international schedules and overseas players’ availability will also play a big role in the final decision.
Arun Dhumal was quoted as saying by Sportstar: “We need to sit across from 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’s just before Diwali. We will look at that when the next bilateral tender comes into play, in case we can find a window there.”
IPL 2026 enters blockbuster final stage
The ongoing IPL 2026 season has already reached its climax, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) reaching the finals. Now, either Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) or Rajasthan Royals (RR) will move from Eliminator to Qualifier 2, where they will face Gujarat Titans for that final spot.
The Eliminator is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh between SRH and RR. Qualifier 2 is set to be held on May 29 in New Chandigarh between GT and either SRH or RR.
