Tensions Rise Between IPL Teams and Broadcasters Over More Matches

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The Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, has stated that the board is still deliberating on whether to expand the number of IPL matches from the current 74, starting next season.

There have been reports suggesting that the BCCI intended to increase the number of matches to 84 in IPL 2025 and further to 94 matches by 2027. However, Jay Shah has confirmed that the board is still contemplating this decision.

Shah mentioned that while the expansion was included in the BCCI’s media rights and sponsorship contracts, they are taking into account the players’ workload before making a final decision.

“We have not taken a call on organizing 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor in the load on the players due to the increase in matches,” Shah told the press on Wednesday, as quoted by the Economic Times.

“While it’s (84 matches) part of the contract, it’s up to the BCCI to decide whether to organize 74 or 84 matches.”

Franchises vs Broadcasters

The report further stated that the TV and digital rights owners, Star India and Viacom18, prefer sticking to 74 matches, fearing that an expanded tournament might lead to viewer fatigue.

On the other hand, the report added that the franchise owners are in favour of expanding the tournament by at least 10 matches, as this would ultimately bring in more revenue for them.

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