Why is BCCI planning to start IPL early from 2027? Devajit Saikia reveals the reasons

The IPL window is likely to be scheduled earlier than the normal window. (Image: X) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering a major schedule change for the Indian Premier League (IPL) with plans to start the tournament earlier from the 2027 season. The move aims to reduce the impact of extreme weather conditions on players, fans and match operations.BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has revealed that discussions are underway to shift the IPL window to around March 10 to May 15, instead of the traditional late March to late May schedule. The proposed change would coincide with the league’s 20th year in 2027.

Weather concerns are driving the proposed shift

Speaking to PTI, BCCI’s Devajit Saikia feels that the latter stages of the IPL are increasingly affected by rising temperatures and the possibility of pre-monsoon rainfall in several parts of the country.“This year, the IPL started around March 29 (28) and ended on May 31. The only thing we are discussing is that during the frenzied end of the tournament after May 15…there is a fear that it will rain or the pre-monsoon season will start. On the other hand, the weather is hot, which is not very favorable for the players or the crowds,” he told PTI.He added that the board is trying to move the tournament forward by about two weeks.“Therefore, there is a discussion in the BCCI as well as in our IPL Governing Council as to whether we can start the tournament a little earlier than the end of March,” he said.

What worries you most about the current IPL scheduling?

“From next year we will try and I have already instructed our CEO (Games Development) (former pacer Abbey Kuruvilla) to look for windows to see if we can launch it by March 10 and wrap it up by May 15. So that there are no adverse weather conditions before the IPL 20 playoffs and finals, which will be added to the 20th edition of Saia.Saikia also revealed that both players and fans have expressed concerns about the playing conditions.“I have heard a lot of complaints from the fans as well as the players because not all the players are very well equipped or well acclimatized to play in such hot conditions, so to ensure a pleasant atmosphere for the tournament, we want to conclude it by May 15. That is our first target now and that is the main focus for next year, the 20th edition of the IPL, which will be a big tournament.

No plans to increase the number of matches

Despite regular discussions about increasing the size of the tournament, Saikia has made it clear that there are currently no plans to expand the IPL beyond the existing 74-match format.“…it is not feasible at the moment because we have to take into account many other factors regarding different players coming from different countries. We are getting this two-month window with a lot of difficulties,” he said.“It will be very difficult to go beyond two months as other countries also have to pay for bilateral matches… So at the moment there is no discussion to increase the number of matches from 74 to 94. It is not happening immediately,” Saikia stated clearly.