BCCI eyes Mar 10–May 15 IPL window next season amid heat concerns: Devajit Saikia
The BCCI is considering advancing the IPL window to March 10–May 15 from next season to avoid extreme summer heat and pre-monsoon conditions. Secretary Devajit Saikia said matches will remain capped at 74 due to international calendar constraints
New Delhi: In its bid to beat the extreme May heat in most parts of the country, the BCCI is contemplating an early start to the IPL, eyeing a March 10–May 15 window for future editions starting next year, Board secretary Devajit Saikia told PTI in an exclusive interview.
However, he made it clear that due to international calendar constraints, the number of matches will remain 74 and will not be increased to 94.
The IPL usually begins in the last week of March and concludes towards the end of May. Saikia said an early IPL would protect the interests of both players and the paying public.
“This year, the IPL started around March 28–29 and ended on May 31. The only thing we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament after May 15, there is apprehension of rainfall or the onset of the pre-monsoon season.
“On the other hand, there is extreme heat, which is not conducive for either players or spectators,” Saikia said.
He said the BCCI is working on advancing the itinerary by two weeks to avoid rising temperatures during the latter part of May.
“So there is a discussion going on within the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council on whether we can start the tournament a little earlier than the fag end of March,” he said.
“From next year, we will make an effort, and I have already instructed our General Manager (Games Development), former pacer Abbey Kuruvilla, to explore windows where we can start by March 10 and conclude by May 15. This will ensure there are no adverse weather conditions during the playoffs and the final of IPL 2027, which will be the 20th edition,” Saikia said.
Saikia said he has also received complaints from players and fans regarding extreme heat in northern and western parts of India during IPL matches.
“I am hearing a lot of complaints from fans as well as players, because not all players are well-equipped or acclimatised to play in such hot conditions.
“So, to provide a pleasant atmosphere for the tournament, we want to conclude it by May 15. That is our primary goal for the 20th edition of the IPL,” he said.
While there has been talk about increasing the number of games, Saikia explained why it is not feasible to go beyond 74 matches.
“That is not feasible at this moment because we have to consider multiple factors, including players from various countries. Even with difficulty, we are managing this two-month window,” he said.
“It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries also have bilateral commitments,” he added.
“At this point, there is no discussion on increasing matches from 74 to 94. It is not happening immediately,” he clarified.
However, Saikia, who also serves as the Advocate General of Assam, did not rule out future possibilities.
“In later years, I do not know what the position will be, but at this moment I do not see any possibility of increasing from 74 to 94. That would require considering not only India but also the interests of other cricketing nations such as Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies,” he said.
“We do not want to disrupt bilateral matches or other international tournaments,” he added.
Saikia also expressed satisfaction that the BCCI successfully completed the 19th edition of the IPL this year despite challenges due to the crisis in West Asia.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that Indian domestic competitions conclude by the first week of March.
“Our domestic cricket system is robust. It begins around August with the Irani Trophy and runs through to the Ranji Trophy final in March.
“That is a 7–8 month domestic season. We need to complete it by March 10 so that we can start the IPL immediately,” he said.