IPL likely to be scrapped from March-May window, confirms Arun Dhumal – IPL Set for Major Schedule Change: BCCI Considers Moving Tournament to September-October
IPL Faces Historic Shift: New Schedule on the Horizon
The Indian Premier League (IPL) may be on the verge of its most significant scheduling change in nearly two decades. IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has confirmed that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively exploring the possibility of shifting the tournament from its traditional March-May window to September-October.
Why the Change?
For years, the IPL has been synonymous with the Indian summer, stretching across three months of intense cricket and soaring temperatures. But mounting concerns over extreme heat, player fatigue, and logistical challenges have prompted the BCCI to reevaluate the tournament’s timing.
“We need to sit across from and speak to the broadcaster for their opinion on whether the tournament can be moved to another window,” Dhumal told Sportstar. One of the top alternatives under discussion is the September-October slot—a period that aligns with India’s festive season leading up to Diwali.
Player Welfare and Climate Challenges
The current IPL calendar often sees matches played in cities where temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), especially in May. This has led to recurring issues of player dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stress during both games and practice sessions.
With plans to expand the tournament beyond 2028—potentially increasing the number of matches—the BCCI fears that a longer format in such conditions would be unsustainable. Moving to a cooler window could significantly improve player safety and performance.
Business and Broadcasting Appeal
Beyond health and logistics, the September-October window holds massive commercial appeal. As Dhumal noted, “That is the best time from an advertiser’s point of view because it’s just before Diwali.”
The festive season is peak spending time in India, making it an ideal period for brands to invest in high-visibility advertising. A repositioned IPL could attract record sponsorship deals and boost viewership, benefiting broadcasters and stakeholders alike.
Challenges Ahead
While the idea is gaining traction, shifting the IPL is not a simple decision. The BCCI will need to coordinate with broadcasters, assess international cricket calendars, and ensure availability of overseas players—many of whom have commitments with their national boards during the autumn months.
- The current IPL season runs tightly between March and May
- Expansion plans post-2028 may require a restructured format
- September-October aligns with Diwali but conflicts with some international tours
- Broadcasters’ input will be crucial in finalizing any new window
Current Season Reaches Climax
As discussions unfold for the future, the ongoing IPL 2026 season is heading toward its climax. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have secured their spot in the final, while the battle for the second position is still underway.
The Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) is scheduled for May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. The winner will face Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier 2 on May 29 for a place in the final.
While fans gear up for the season’s thrilling conclusion, the BCCI’s vision for a restructured IPL suggests that the league’s future could look very different—cooler, longer, and more commercially vibrant than ever before.
Shaan Cooper is a cricket journalist and SEO content writer from Bengaluru who focuses on breaking cricket news, live match coverage, and player performance stories. Her writing style combines fast-paced reporting with detailed cricket knowledge tailored for digital sports platforms.
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