BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia weighed in on the possible league stage expansion by confirming that expanding the league stage of the tournament at the moment. Since 2022, when the IPL became a 10-team event, there have been 74 games in all, which included 70 league stage fixtures where teams play twice against a few teams and once against a few others, and four playoff matches.
There were expectations of the tournament expanding to 94 matches, where every team plays twice against the other nine in the league, but that idea has been parked for now. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal had previously stated that discussions for such a possibility would be had after the 2027 season.
Devajit Saikia’s comments on the expansion of the league.Â
Speaking to PTI reporters, Devajit Saikia said, “That is not feasible right at this moment because we have to consider many other factors regarding various players coming from various nations. With a lot of difficulties, we are getting this two-month window. It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries also have to play bilateral matches…. So, at this moment, there is no discussion regarding increasing matches from 74 to 94. Not happening immediately.”Â
Devajit Saikia further added, “In course of later years, I do not know what will be the position but right at this moment, I don’t see any possibility of increasing it from 74 to 94 matches because for that it is not only India that is to be considered but also the interest of other cricketing nations of the ICC especially players from Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies. We do not want to upset bilateral matches, also other multi-country tournaments.”Â
Devajit Saikia’s comments on domestic cricket.Â
Speaking about the domestic cricket structure, Devajit Saikia said, “If you look at our domestic cricket, it is a robust system which is in place. We started sometime in the latter part of August with the Irani Trophy and all the matches, and it goes up to the Ranji Trophy final, which happens in the month of March. Already, we have about 7-8 months of a long period of domestic cricket. We have to squeeze in some of the matches so that we finish our domestic cricket by the 10th of March, so that we can start it, i.e. the IPL immediately.”Â
League expansion looks difficult in the forthcoming years as well
What Devajit Saikia has pointed out makes sense, and he has valid points as to why an expansion of the league stage is not possible. The 2027 edition is impossible because the FTP is announced till or beyond 2027, and IPL is under the same broadcasters and cycle, which ends after 2027, following which we will have the mega auction and also new tenders are likely to be invited for the new broadcasting cycle as the current one expires after the 2027 edition.
Under the current scenario for 2027, we will have 74 games, it is as confirmed by Saikia. Beyond that, it is going to be difficult for the BCCI to add 20 more matches. Since adding 20 more matches means the window will have to be increased by a month. Yes, we can argue that we can include multiple double-headers, but that’s not a solution. 74 games and condensed forms will keep fans interested. 94 games could become too long for the viewer’s interest as well.
Player’s availability will be a concern should the tournament be expanded, and then all the growing noises about country vs club agenda will be started by the Western media. So, BCCI and IPL will be mindful of that. They do the agenda even when 74 games are happening; if it increases to 94, then more will start. So, it is better to consider everything so that the IPL sticks to 74 games and does not increase to 94 at this stage.
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