BCCI mulling to host IPL twice annually in ambitious move

IPL 2023 (Photo Source: Twitter)

The highly lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) is possibly on the brink of a monumental shift as the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) is contemplating of hosting two IPL editions annually. This visionary proposal, initially championed by former India coach Ravi Shastri, now hinges upon identifying optimal scheduling windows.

In its 2024 edition, the IPL eyes an early culmination, aiming to acclimatise Indian players to diverse conditions ahead of major tournaments. Targeting a wrap-up by May 25 or 26, the move signals potential challenges for players, anticipating an upsurge in double-headers to meet the deadline. This strategic adjustment highlights the league’s commitment to facilitating player adaptation and ensuring the completion of the tournament within the stipulated timeframe.

“In the IPL Media Rights for the five-year (2023-2027) cycle, we are planning 74 games in the first two seasons, then gradually go up to 84 in the next two and 94 if we get that kind of a window. As of now, the kind of bilateral arrangement that we have for the coming four years, we need to find a window for 84 games and subsequently for 94,” IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said as quoted by The Telegraph.

“The season is so packed with the bilateral arrangements and ICC events happening every year, it is difficult to find time. But, if there is a window available and if we can do something creative, which adds value to what we are doing, definitely we will look at that,” he added.

Phase 2 of IPL 2024 to be held in India despite Lok Sabha elections

Despite logistical hurdles posed by the impending Lok Sabha elections and the T20 World Cup, chairman of the IPL Governing Council, expressed unwavering confidence in maintaining the tournament’s home-and-away format throughout its 2024 edition. As the BCCI unveiled the schedule for the initial 21 matches spanning March 22 to April 7, he affirmed that the remaining fixtures’ dates would be disclosed once electoral clarity emerged.

Also Read: We might have to increase double-headers in IPL 2024: League Chairman Arun Dhumal