Indian Premier League chairman Arun Dhumal has revealed that the BCCI could seriously consider shifting the IPL window from March-May to September-October in the future, mainly because of the extreme heat players face during the peak of the Indian summer. With the IPL expected to expand further after 2028, discussions have already started around whether the current schedule remains sustainable for players, broadcasters and stakeholders.
Since its launch in 2008, the IPL has traditionally been played during the March-May period. However, rising temperatures across India, especially during May, have become an increasing concern for teams and players. Several venues regularly experience temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, creating physically demanding conditions during matches and training sessions.
Speaking to Sportstar, Arun Dhumal admitted that there is currently no urgent need to move the tournament, but the possibility remains open as the league continues to grow in size and commercial value.
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“We need to sit across and speak to the broadcaster for their opinion on whether the tournament can be moved to another window,” Arun Dhumal said.
🚨 The BCCI is exploring a September-October window for the IPL to combat extreme summer heat and manage a potential 94-match expansion from 2028. pic.twitter.com/MAb0Fk8pzp
— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) May 27, 2026
He added that one of the strongest proposals has been to schedule the IPL in September and October, a period considered highly beneficial from a commercial and advertising perspective due to the festive season leading up to Diwali.
“One suggestion was a window in September-October. That is the best time from an advertiser’s point of view because it’s just before Diwali,” Arun Dhumal explained.
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Currently, the IPL consists of 74 matches featuring 10 franchises over a two-month period. The tournament attracts some of the biggest cricketers from around the world and remains one of the most valuable sporting leagues globally. However, with more matches likely to be added in future seasons, balancing player workload, weather conditions and broadcasting commitments will become increasingly important for the BCCI.
