Is BCCI planning a new window for IPL? Arun Dhumal drops massive 'just before Diwali' statement
(Courtesy : BCCI/IPL)
Since the inception of IPL, the league is being played in March-May window.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been under scanner for quite a some time now due to the playing window of Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL has been played during the Indian summer since the tournament started in 2008.
However, rising temperatures during May, increasing player fatigue, and injuries, have seen the governing body face a lot of criticism as well. But, amid all this, the BCCI is reportedly exploring a possible shift of the IPL window.
According to IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, the board is exploring the possibility of shifting the tournament from its March-May window to a new September-October slot. The idea is not final yet, but the proposal has been made to the broadcasters as BCCI is planning to expand the tournament from 74 matches after 2028.
In an interview with Sportstar, Dhumal said that there is no immediate plan to move the tournament; however, discussions around an alternate window have already started. One option currently under review is September-October, which is the month before India’s biggest shopping season and Diwali.
“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 said.
Why September-October window for IPL makes sense?
From a commercial perspective, that timing could be attractive for broadcasters, sponsors and franchises looking for higher season ad value. Heat and player welfare are key factors for this change, as many IPL venues face extreme temperatures and humidity in May.
The weather during September-October is also significantly cooler than May across most Indian states, which would directly solve the heat and player fatigue concerns.
Dhumal also hinted at another strong possibility, which is splitting the IPL across two separate windows in the same year. He said that one phase of the tournament could run from February to April, with the remaining matches played later in the year in another slot.
“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,” He said.
For now, IPL 2026 is in its playoff stage with RCB already qualified for the Final after defeating Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, qualified for the Qualifier 2 after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad in Eliminator and now, they will be facing Gujarat on May 29, 2026, at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium .
Is the IPL moving to September-October already?
No. The BCCI is only evaluating the idea and discussions are going on regarding possible change in the current scheduling process.
Which new window is being considered for IPL?
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said that September-October is one of the windows being discussed for future IPL seasons.
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Amit Patel is a passionate sports enthusiast and a devoted Virat Kohli admirer who proudly supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Having been involved in sports from a young age, he has played chess at the district level and represented his college in various competitions. Amit closely follows Indian cricket, with a special interest in tracking young talents and rising stars making their mark at the highest level. Alongside his love for the game, he is an experienced sports content writer who enjoys crafting stories that connect with fans.