We will have discussions post 2027: Arun Singh Dhumal on expanding IPL window

Arun Singh Dhumal, the chairperson of the Indian Premier League, admitted that there could be a discussion on the bilateral calendar post 2027 to see if there is scope for the Indian Premier League to have a longer window.

The IPL currently runs across 74 matches. However, within the current arrangement - given the addition of two new teams (Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans) - all teams are not able to play each other twice in the league phase. Dhumal admitted that there isn't space currently in the calendar for the tournament to go from a 74-match schedule to a 94-match schedule.

While he denied fitting in additional double-headers as a viable option, he suggested that a possible bigger window may not be out of question given the lack of interest in 'some bilateral games'.

"If you look at the transition over the last few years, there is definitely less interest in some bilateral games," Dhumal said in an interview with The Financial Times. "That is why countries are coming up with their own leagues: the England and Wales Cricket Board's The Hundred, Australia's Big Bash League, the UAE's International League T20, South Africa's SA20 and the Caribbean Premier League.

"If this is the trend, then every country will want fewer bilaterals, or bilaterals that make more financial sense for them, and then there is scope to enlarge the IPL window. We are hoping for more discussions with all the countries and colleagues. If that works out, it should work out for everyone.

"It [the bilateral calendar] makes sense, and it is already locked until 2027. But when they plan post-2027, we will have discussions. The IPL is not only adding value to India and Indian players; it is adding value to world cricket at large. So all these players would want more. Hopefully, when we decide on the next cycle, we will be able to carve out a bigger window so we can extend it beyond 74."

While expanding on the idea, he added, "There are different possibilities. One is reducing some bilaterals. Another is carving out a window elsewhere. In case we get some windows during September or October, when you have the end of the English season and before the start of the Australian season, then if we have a few days available there, we can extend at that time. So all those possibilities can be worked out and whatever works best, we will do."

While asserting that the BCCI's focus was not just on the health of Indian cricket, but the global game, Dhumal termed the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman from Kolkata Knight Riders in this season's IPL as 'unfortunate' without making a deeper comment on the politics of it.

Dhumal claimed that the IPL's central sponsorship portfolio is now worth about INR 850 crore a year, or roughly $101mn, and while explaining whether the IPL could see more teams added to the league, he suggested that the new world order could include more franchise T20s and fewer bilaterals.

"There is a lot of investor interest [in the IPL], because the kind of return on investment the IPL has given is exceptional. But it would not happen unless we have a bigger window. The larger picture has to be how many bilaterals, how many International Cricket Council events and what windows are available for these leagues.

"It is not only about the IPL, but also The Hundred, the Big Bash and other leagues. In case these leagues are to be held regularly, that is the new world order for cricket: fewer bilaterals, more league cricket, and in between you have ICC events, a bit like football."

"We have discussed it many times, but the calendar is tight with bilaterals, leagues and ICC events, so there is not much scope. But whatever works in the interest of world cricket at large, we will take a decision keeping that in mind. If it helps cricket grow and reach more countries, and have a wider footprint, we can look at it. Cricket is becoming part of the Olympics at Los Angeles in 2028, and we hope that will be a big boost."

Supporting the expansion of IPL franchises in foreign leagues such as South Africa, the UAE and the West Indies, he said, "Cricket has to grow across the globe. If it is not going through bilaterals and it is going through leagues, then I am happy that franchise owners who are making money in the cycle are taking responsibility to help those leagues too. If the BCCI is seen as a leader in cricket, then it is good that franchise owners are participating, adding value and helping create talent in those countries."

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