IPL in January? PBKS co-owner Wadia backs Lalit Modi's suggestion
What's the story
Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has backed a January start for the Indian Premier League (IPL). The idea was first suggested by former IPL chairman Lalit Modi. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Wadia said he would love to see more matches in the tournament, and "if that meant shifting the window," then it would be even better. Notably, the usual IPL window is between March and May every year.
Weather concerns
Current weather patterns ideal for January IPL
Wadia stressed that the current weather patterns, with rain followed by extreme heat, make it ideal to have the IPL in January.
He also said that while domestic and international schedules should be taken into account, he is generally in favor of the idea.
His comments come after KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla had also supported Modi's suggestion for an earlier IPL window.
Calendar influence
KKR co-owner Chawla also backed Modi's suggestion
Chawla echoed Modi's views, saying the IPL has earned the right to influence the cricket calendar.
She questioned why the biggest cricket tournament should be played in harsh heat and suggested January as a possible alternative.
Modi had earlier compared IPL's status in cricket to that of the English Premier League in football and highlighted concerns like "punishing April-May heat" as reasons for seeking an alternate window.
Calendar flexibility
Modi wants to identify best window for IPL
In a recent interview with Cricbuzz, Modi reiterated his stance on the IPL calendar.
He said, "My broader position is that we should identify the best window from October to the end of April."
Modi stressed he isn't asking for seven months of uninterrupted IPL cricket but wants to sit down with actual fixtures, venues, travel requirements, and player commitments to design the season properly.