Extreme heat may push IPL from March-May to new September-October slot

Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Dhumal has spoken about the possibility of moving the tournament to the later part of the year in the future instead of its usual March-May window. Since the IPL began, it has mostly been played during these months. However, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India planning to increase the number of matches from 2028, discussions have started on whether the league should be held in a different time slot.

In an interview with Sportstar, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said there is currently no need to shift the tournament from its usual window. However, he added that any decision about holding the IPL in another part of the year would only be taken after discussions with the broadcaster.

He said that one of the best suggestions was to hold the tournament during September-October, and that it was the best time from an advertiser’s point of view as it would take place just before Diwali.

“We need to sit across and speak to the broadcaster for their opinion on whether the tournament can be moved to another window. One suggestion was a window in September-October. That is the best time from an advertiser’s point of view because it is just before Diwali. We will look at that when the next bilateral tender comes into play, in case we can find a window there,” Dhumal told the publication.

IPL may shift to new window as BCCI explores weather-friendly schedule for future seasons

Currently, the Indian Premier League features 74 matches played by 10 teams over two months. The tournament includes many international players from different cricket boards around the world, except a few who play in the Pakistan Super League, which takes place at the same time. However, hosting the IPL in India, especially during May, comes with challenges due to the extreme heat.

Many venues experience very high temperatures, making conditions difficult for players. Several cricketers suffer from cramps, injuries, and exhaustion, with some even forced to leave the field during matches. Apart from that, fatigue is also another reason why the BCCI might consider shifting the IPL window. Players are busy as part of international duties until late February or March. As a result, they are forced to play in the IPL with very little break after international cricket. This affects both Indian and overseas players.

“Weather is another challenge that we are facing now with May getting very hot. We are also looking if we can find a window from February to April and then later in the year. We have to do what is best for the game because IPL does not impact only the BCCI, it impacts all other cricket boards and players who play across the globe. We will sit across with all our friends from other countries and find what works best for this tournament and cricket globally,” the IPL chairman added.