BCCI Opts Against Increasing Number of Matches in IPL 2025

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to increase the number of matches in the upcoming 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). This decision is mainly due to the need for effective workload management for players. 

Current Format and Broadcast Contracts

Initially, when the IPL tender rights were announced in 2023, it included a schedule of 74 matches for the first few years. The plan was to increase this to 84 matches in 2025 and 2026, ultimately reaching 94 matches by 2027.

However, this increase comes with challenges, especially given the limited window available during the Indian summer and the players’ international commitments.

The BCCI has emphasized the importance of not overwhelming players during the IPL season. This is crucial, especially as they prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC).

Although India has not yet officially qualified for the WTC final, they are currently one of the favourites, leading the points table.

Balancing Tournament Length and Player Health

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah recently stated:

“We have not taken a call on organizing 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor the load on the players due to the increase in matches.” 

He acknowledged that while 84 matches are part of the broadcast contract, the final decision will depend on the BCCI’s assessment of player workload.

Currently, the IPL features 10 teams playing in a league-plus-knockout format. Each team competes in 14 matches during the league stage, which leads to a total of 74 matches including the playoffs and finals. This format has been in place since 2022, following the addition of two new teams.

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