Intro
Board aims to finish tournament earlier amid player welfare concerns.
New Delhi
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering advancing the Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule by at least two weeks from next season in a bid to avoid extreme summer conditions that have increasingly affected players and spectators alike.
The proposal comes after mounting complaints regarding the intense heat experienced during the latter stages of the tournament, particularly in northern and western India. Traditionally, the IPL begins in the final week of March and concludes at the end of May, but officials now want the competition wrapped up by mid-May.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the board is closely examining the tournament window to strike a balance between weather conditions and international cricket commitments.
“This year, the IPL started around March 28-29 and concluded on May 31. We are discussing whether the tournament can finish earlier because after May 15 there are concerns regarding both rising temperatures and the possibility of pre-monsoon rainfall,” Saikia said.
The issue gained prominence during the recently concluded IPL season when the final was held on May 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The city was then experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 43 degrees Celsius, raising concerns over player safety and spectator comfort.
Saikia acknowledged that several players, especially overseas cricketers, found it difficult to cope with the harsh weather conditions.
“I am hearing many complaints from fans as well as players. Not all players are acclimatised to perform in such extreme heat. We want to provide a more pleasant atmosphere for everyone involved,” he said.
While the BCCI is exploring changes to the tournament calendar, Saikia clarified that the number of matches will remain unchanged at 74. Speculation about expanding the league to 94 matches has been ruled out due to constraints imposed by the international cricket calendar.
The proposed shift assumes greater significance as the IPL prepares to celebrate its landmark 20th edition next year. The board hopes an earlier schedule will not only improve playing conditions but also enhance the overall experience for fans attending matches across the country.
