The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to shift the Indian Premier League (IPL) window earlier from the 2027 season, in a move aimed at reducing the impact of extreme summer heat on players and spectators.
Under the proposed plan, the tournament could begin around March 10 and conclude by May 15, nearly two weeks earlier than the traditional schedule, which typically runs from late March to the end of May or early June.
For comparison, IPL 2026 was played from March 28 to May 31, continuing the established window that has been in place for several seasons.
However, BCCI officials are now actively exploring an earlier start, citing concerns over increasingly harsh weather conditions during the final stages of the tournament.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the adjustment is intended to improve both playing and viewing conditions, particularly in the latter half of the competition.
He noted that the end of the IPL season often overlaps with rising temperatures as well as the onset of pre-monsoon conditions, making it difficult for matches to be played in comfortable conditions.
“This year, IPL started around March 28 and ended on May 31. During the fag end of the tournament, after May 15, there is apprehension of rainfall or the pre-monsoon season starting,” Saikia said.
“On the other hand, there is hot weather, which is not conducive either for the players or the crowds.”
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He added that the board has instructed its General Manager (Game Development), Abbey Kuruvilla, to evaluate scheduling options for the revised window, which the BCCI hopes to implement from the 20th edition in 2027.
Saikia also acknowledged concerns raised by both players and fans regarding extreme weather conditions, particularly in the northern and western parts of India during late-season fixtures.
Since expanding to a 10-team format in 2022, the IPL has featured 74 matches per season, with each franchise playing a mix of single and double round-robin fixtures.
While there has been discussion about further expansion to a 94-match format, Saikia said the packed international calendar makes such a move impractical at present.
He emphasised that balancing international commitments with franchise cricket continues to limit the available window for the tournament.
“That is not feasible right at this moment because we have to consider players coming from various nations. With great difficulty, we are getting this two-month window,” he said.
To support the revised schedule, the BCCI is also expected to adjust the domestic cricket calendar so that the season concludes by March 10, allowing the IPL to begin immediately after.
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