BCCI eyes early-March kickoff for IPL 2027 to avoid scorching summers; clarifies stance on expanded schedule

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering an early kickoff for the 2027 Indian Premier League (IPL) due to scorching temperatures in May. Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board intends to provide comfortable conditions for the players & fans and is making efforts to find a convenient window for the tournament.

The IPL 2026 season kicked off on March 28, with the final taking place on May 31 between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. RCB successfully defended their title to become back-to-back champions.

BCCI contemplating early kickoff for IPL 2027

Speaking to PTI, Saikia noted that the IPL's current schedule risks clashing with extreme heat and pre-monsoon rain, prompting discussion within the BCCI and the IPL governing council about moving up the tournament earlier in March.

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"This year, IPL started around March 29th (28th), and it was over by May 31. The only thing which we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament, after May 15...there is apprehension of having rainfall or the pre-monsoon season starting.

"On the other hand, there is hot weather which is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds. So therefore, there is a discussion going on in BCCI as well as in our IPL Governing Council regarding whether we can start the tournament a little bit earlier than the fag end of March," Saikia said in the interaction.

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The BCCI secretary added that he received complaints from players and fans about the heat in northern and western India and has instructed to "Look for the windows whether we can start it by 10th of March and conclude it by 15th of May."

'No discussion': Saikia on possible IPL schedule expansion

While the BCCI is working on moving up the IPL schedule, secretary Saikia also clarified discussions on whether the tournament could expand from its traditional 74 matches to a proposed 94-match format. He explained that increasing the number of matches is not feasible and outlined the reasons why it cannot take place.

"...that is not feasible right at this moment because we have to consider many other factors regarding various players coming from various nations. With lot of difficulties, we are getting this two-month window.

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"It will be very difficult to go beyond two months because other countries also have to play bilateral matches... So at this moment there is no discussion regarding increasing matches from 74 to 94. Not happening immediately," the BCCI secretary added.

Saikia hasn't ruled out the possibility in the future, but has confirmed that there is no scope to expand the IPL schedule at present.