IPL 2027 could begin on March 10: Details here
What's the story
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering an earlier schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) from next season. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia recently told PTI that the board is looking at starting IPL as early as March 10 and ending it by May 15. The move comes in a bid to reduce disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions during the tournament.
Schedule change
IPL traditionally starts in late March
Traditionally, the IPL has been held from late March to the end of May. However, the BCCI is keen on avoiding any possible impact of the monsoon season on IPL fixtures. The 2026 edition of the tournament started on March 28 and ended on May 31, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defending their title by beating Gujarat Titans (GT) in the final.
Weather concerns
Early IPL to avoid pre-monsoon rains
Saikia explained that an early IPL would be in the best interest of players and fans alike. "This year, IPL started around the March 29th (28th), and it was over by May 31. Only thing which we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament after May 15...there is apprehension of having rainfall or pre-monsoon season starting," Sakia told PTI.
Schedule adjustment
Discussion ongoing in BCCI regarding early IPL start
Saikia revealed that the BCCI is considering moving the tournament forward by two weeks to avoid extreme heat in May. He added, "So therefore, there is a discussion going on in BCCI as well as in our IPL Governing Council regarding whether we can start the tournament a little bit earlier than the fag end of March."
Match count
No increase in number of IPL matches
Despite talks of increasing the number of matches, Saikia clarified that due to international calendar constraints, the number will remain 74 and not increase to 94. He added, said, "It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries also have to pay bilateral matches...So at this moment there is no discussion regarding increasing matches from 74 to 94. Not happening immediately."