Despite interest from investors, the BCCI is not planning on adding any more franchises to the Indian Premier League at the moment
Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is past the halfway mark, hosting Match 47 between Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Titans on 28 April. However, IPL 2028 might see an expanded event featuring 94 matches, with the BCCI actively considering a proposal to overhaul the franchise tournament. (Full Coverage | Points Table | More Cricket News)
IPL 2025 currently features 74 games stretched over nine weeks, with 12 double-headers scheduled on weekends. However, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo, confirmed that discussions are underway both within the BCCI and at ICC levels to have a full home-and-away format during the next media-rights cycle beginning 2028.
“Definitely, that might be an opportunity (to expand),” Dhumal said. “Ideally, we’d want a larger window… So that every team gets to play against every team home and away, for that, you need 94 games.”
In the report by ESPNcricinfo, it was revealed that while many franchise owners are happy with a 94-match season, it depends on the interest shown by the broadcasters, mainly the present broadcaster JioHotstar.
This is not the first attempt at growing the IPL, as a move to have an 84-game season from IPL 18 could not materialise due to scheduling conflicts and broadcasters being wary of too many double-headers.
Arun Dhumal also confirmed that there are no present plans to increase the present number of 10 franchises in the IPL, despite a potential increase in the number of games as well as investor interest.
“Ten is a good number for now,” the chairman said. “I don't see any scope in the short term. Going forward, with how this whole landscape evolves, we'll take a call accordingly.”
Calling the ongoing IPL 2025 season a “success”, Dhumal said that a first-time winner this term – Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, or Royal Challengers Bengaluru – will be beneficial for the tournament in the long run.