Royal Challengers Bengaluru won IPL 2026. | Photo Credit: VIJAY SONEJI

The BCCI is considering advancing the IPL window by nearly two weeks from next year, with plans to stage the tournament from March 10 to May 15 instead of its traditional late March to end-May schedule.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the move is aimed at improving playing and viewing conditions during the closing stages of the tournament.

“This year, IPL started around March 28 and ended on May 31. During the fag end of the tournament after May 15, there is apprehension of rainfall or the pre-monsoon season starting. On the other hand, there is hot weather which is not conducive either for the players or the crowds,” Saikia said.

He added that he has asked General Manager (Game Development) Abbey Kuruvilla to work on scheduling options for the revised window, which the BCCI hopes to implement from the 2027 season, the tournament’s 20th edition.

Saikia said the BCCI has received complaints from both players and fans about the harsh conditions, particularly in northern and western India.

Saikia also ruled out expanding the IPL from 74 to 94 matches, saying the packed international calendar leaves little room for a longer tournament.

“That is not feasible right at this moment because we have to consider players coming from various nations. With great difficulty we are getting this two-month window,” he said.

According to Saikia, extending the tournament would disrupt bilateral commitments and affect the availability of overseas players from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and the West Indies.

To accommodate an earlier IPL, the BCCI intends to finish the domestic season by March 10.

“We have to squeeze in some of the matches so that we finish our domestic cricket by March 10 and can start the IPL immediately,” Saikia said.

Published on Jun 18, 2026