Overview
- BCCI leaders have opened a formal review of the IPL calendar and are discussing a shift that would start the tournament around March 15 and finish by about May 15 to reduce extreme heat and pre‑monsoon rain disruptions.
- The move follows weather problems in the 2026 season, including a complete washout of the KKR‑Punjab Kings game at Eden Gardens and numerous high‑temperature venues that strained player welfare and fan comfort.
- Officials stress there is no final decision yet and that any change will need detailed talks with television rights holders and other cricket boards because the IPL affects international schedules and overseas player availability.
- Plans to expand the league from 74 to 94 matches are effectively on hold and would only be pursued after the ICC Future Tours Programme opens post‑2027 and broadcasters agree to the longer window.
- If adopted, the calendar shift could reduce heat‑related injuries and rain interruptions but would trigger complex coordination on broadcast slots, player workload and international fixtures to be resolved in the coming years.