IPL Set for Major Overhaul: 94 Matches, Home-Away Format by 2028

Every team to play 18 games as BCCI reimagines tournament structure

The Indian Premier League is heading towards its most significant structural change since expanding to 10 teams. The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced plans to increase matches from the current 74 to 94 per season starting from 2028, a move that would fundamentally reshape how the world's richest domestic cricket league operates.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal confirmed the proposal during recent discussions with stakeholders. The expansion aims to introduce a pure home-and-away format, scrapping the existing group-based system that has left many fans confused about the tournament structure.

Return to traditional league format

Under the current setup, the IPL's complex group system limits matchups between teams. With the proposed 94-match structure, every franchise would face all nine competitors twice—once at their home ground and once away—mirroring the simplicity of traditional football leagues.

"With the given set of teams, only we can go for more number of matches," Dhumal told reporters. "If we have to have an equal number of home and away matches, from 74 we can go up to 94. That would be the ideal situation."

The change reflects feedback from broadcasters and viewers who have grown frustrated with the convoluted points table. A single league standings would improve clarity and keep every match meaningful throughout the season.

No new franchises despite expansion talk

The expansion will not include new teams. Contrary to speculation about 12-team formats, the BCCI believes maintaining 10 franchises strikes the right balance between maintaining competitive quality and avoiding talent pool exhaustion.

A larger tournament would demand more Indian players at a time when domestic cricket resources are already stretched. The board's decision suggests they prioritize depth of competition over rapid monetization.

Calendar clash remains the biggest hurdle

Finding adequate space in the international cricket schedule presents a substantial challenge. The IPL currently operates within a 60-to-65-day window, barely sufficient for the existing fixture list. Expanding to 94 matches without excessive double-headers would require a significantly longer tournament window.

Broadcasters have reportedly expressed concerns about multiple double-headers, which split television viewership and reduce advertising value. The BCCI is pushing for a dedicated two-and-a-half-month IPL window in the next ICC Future Tours Programme cycle, which begins post-2027.

"Since the bilaterals are locked in till 2027, we would need a bigger window to raise the number of games from 74 to 94," Dhumal explained. "We are looking for a bigger window post-2027 bilateral cycle. In case we can get that, we will definitely try to have 94 games."

Why broadcasters want change

The shift addresses measurable viewership concerns. Data from IPL broadcasters show declining audience numbers during the middle stages of tournaments under the current format. Fans have found it difficult to track their team's position with multiple groups operating simultaneously.

A simplified league table would keep audiences engaged throughout, potentially increasing overall broadcast value. Every match would directly impact standings—a prospect that should heighten stakes and viewer investment.

Timeline and next steps

The overhaul is conditional on securing a favorable slot in international cricket's calendar. Cricket's governance body, the ICC, must accommodate India's request for an extended IPL window without disrupting the bilateral series programme that generates significant revenue for boards worldwide.

Industry observers expect the BCCI to formally present its case during ICC meetings scheduled for late 2026. The proposal carries substantial commercial weight given the IPL's broadcast deals and global audience reach.

Focus on quality over quantity

The expansion reflects a broader philosophy at the BCCI: improve the tournament's product rather than chase aggressive growth. Officials believe a better-structured, more transparent league will attract larger audiences and justify higher media rights valuations in future auction cycles.

With the media rights tender approaching—set to commence in late 2027 for the 2028-2032 period—the timing of this announcement appears strategic. Potential bidders will now consider the enhanced match content and improved fan experience in their pricing calculations.

The journey from 74 to 94 matches depends entirely on the BCCI's ability to persuade the ICC and bilateral partners that the IPL deserves dedicated calendar space. If negotiations succeed, Indian Premier League cricket will undergo its most fundamental transformation in over a decade.