Last Updated on 38 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to expand to 94 matches in 2028. According to India Today, IPL chairman Arun Dhumal has said that the league will have a full ‘home and away’ format with each side playing two matches against each other. 

IPL expanding to 94 teams the ideal situation – Chairman

“With the given set of teams, only we can go for more number of matches. So it doesn’t make sense as of now to increase the number of teams,” Dhumal said.

“Because if we have to have an equal number of home and away matches, from 74 we can go up to 94. That would be the ideal situation.”

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest and best franchise cricket league around the globe. It is amongst the best sporting leagues in the world, competing with some of the biggest leagues like the NBA, MLB, NFL, etc. 

The IPL started back in 2008 with eight teams. Two more teams, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, were added in 2022. Before that, the league used to follow an away and home format where teams used to play two games against each franchise, one away and one at their home. 

But from 2022, that format was not in use, as the number of matches would’ve increased. Right now, teams play two matches against most franchises and only one match with the remaining teams. However, the proposed move to 94 matches will mainly depend on a longer window from the ICC, as this move will overlap international cricket. 

“Since the bilaterals are locked in till 2027, we would need a bigger window to raise the number of games from 74 to 94,” Dhumal said.

“So we are looking for a bigger window post-2027 bilateral cycle. In case we can get that, we will definitely try to have 94 games.”

Fans react to IPL’s possible expansion 

While the expansion is proposed to make the league simple for the fans and broadcasters, the current ‘virtual group’ system can be a little confusing for some. The BCCI will be hopeful that this expansion will be more lucrative for the broadcasters and sponsors. 

Fans have given their early opinions on the expansion, and it’s important after IPL 2026 saw a dip in their viewership and rating. Here are some fan reactions on the news: