The Indian Premier League could soon become significantly bigger. After years of operating with a 74-match format, fresh indications from top officials suggest that the tournament may expand to 94 matches within the next few years.

The possibility was recently hinted at by Arun Dhumal, who stated that the league is considering increasing the number of matches after 2027. He also clarified why the IPL final was shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, despite earlier discussions favoring Bengaluru as the host city.

The announcement has sparked excitement among cricket fans, as an expanded schedule would allow all 10 IPL teams to face each other equally in a full home-and-away format.

IPL Has Been Stuck at 74 Matches for Years

The IPL has continued with a 74-match structure for several seasons, even after expanding from 8 teams to 10 teams.

Earlier, when the tournament featured only eight franchises, every team played against every other side twice — once at home and once away. However, after the addition of two more teams, the league introduced a group-based scheduling system.

Under the current structure:

• Teams are divided into two groups of five
• Each team plays:
  • Two matches against certain teams
  • One match against others

Because of this format, not every team faces all opponents equally in home-and-away fixtures.

Why 94 Matches Could Change the Format

According to Arun Dhumal, increasing the tournament to 94 matches would allow the IPL to return to a more balanced structure where all 10 teams could play each other twice.

This would create a true home-and-away league system similar to many major global sports leagues.

Dhumal reportedly explained that while there are currently no plans to add more teams, the total number of matches may increase in the future.

A 94-match IPL would significantly expand the competition calendar and provide fans with more games throughout the season.

Expansion Depends on ICC Scheduling

Despite the excitement surrounding the proposal, the expansion cannot happen immediately.

Officials say the decision depends heavily on the future international cricket calendar managed by the International Cricket Council.

The current ICC scheduling cycle has already been finalized until 2027.

Dhumal indicated that the IPL would require a larger time window in the international calendar to accommodate 94 matches properly.

Why More Time Is Needed

At present, the IPL season is conducted over roughly 60 to 65 days.

Experts say organizing 94 matches within the current time frame would create several logistical challenges, including:

• Too many double-header matches
• Player workload concerns
• Broadcast scheduling issues
• Reduced advertising effectiveness

A packed schedule could also impact viewership and revenue because multiple matches on the same day may split audience attention.

According to reports, IPL officials have requested a tournament window of nearly two and a half months in the next ICC cycle to support expansion plans.

IPL Final Shifted From Bengaluru to Ahmedabad

Apart from discussing expansion plans, Arun Dhumal also explained why the IPL final was shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad.

According to him, Bengaluru was initially considered a suitable venue for the final. However, concerns regarding stadium capacity and ticket allocation created complications.

Dhumal reportedly stated that local authorities and the state government required a large number of complimentary tickets for officials and dignitaries, leaving fewer seats available for general fans.

Ahmedabad Chosen for Larger Capacity

The final was ultimately moved to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad because of its massive seating capacity.

The stadium is currently one of the largest cricket venues in the world and can accommodate significantly more spectators compared to Bengaluru’s stadium.

Officials also pointed out that:

• Global demand for IPL final tickets is extremely high
• Many ICC officials and international delegates are expected to attend
• An ICC board meeting is also scheduled around the same period

Because of these factors, organizers believed a larger venue was necessary.

Fans Excited About Possible Bigger IPL

The idea of a 94-match IPL has already generated strong reactions among cricket fans.

Supporters believe the expanded format could:

• Increase competitiveness
• Create fairer scheduling
• Offer more home matches
• Improve rivalries
• Deliver longer entertainment for viewers

However, some experts also believe player workload management and international scheduling will remain major challenges.

No Immediate Expansion Before 2027

Despite the positive signals, officials have clarified that no expansion will happen before 2027 because the ICC calendar is already locked in.

The next major scheduling decisions will likely be discussed during preparations for the upcoming ICC cycle.

If the IPL receives a larger official time window, the 94-match format could eventually become reality.

Final Thoughts

The IPL may soon enter a new era with a significantly expanded schedule and a full home-and-away format for all teams. Arun Dhumal’s comments have provided the clearest indication yet that the league is seriously considering increasing the number of matches after 2027.

At the same time, the decision to move the IPL final to Ahmedabad highlights how rapidly the tournament’s scale and global popularity continue to grow.

For cricket fans, the possibility of a bigger IPL means even more high-profile clashes, intense rivalries, and extended cricket entertainment in the years ahead.