The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to advance the schedule of the Indian Premier League (IPL) starting with the 2027 edition, aiming to protect players, fans, and the tournament from the harsh summer conditions that have affected recent seasons.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the league is likely to begin around March 10 and conclude by May 15, shifting the traditional late-March to late-May window forward by nearly two to three weeks.
This adjustment comes after widespread complaints about extreme summer heat and the threat of pre-monsoon showers disrupting the business end of the tournament. IPL 2026, which ran from March 28 to May 31, highlighted these challenges as temperatures soared in several venues and rain
concerns loomed in the later stages. Speaking to reporters, Saikia outlined the board's thinking clearly.
"This year, IPL started around March 29 and it was over by May 31. The only thing which we are discussing is that during the fag end of the tournament after May 15, there is apprehension of having rainfall or pre-monsoon season starting, he said.
"On the other hand, there is hot weather which is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds.
He added that discussions are active within the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council.
"So therefore, there is a discussion going on in BCCI as well as in our IPL governing council regarding whether we can start the tournament a little bit earlier than the fag end of March. "
Saikia revealed that he has already directed the general manager of games development, former India pacer Abey Kuruvilla, to explore the feasibility.
"From next year, we will make an effort and I have already instructed our general manager (games development) to look for the windows, whether we can start it by 10th of March and conclude it by 15th of May. So that there are no adverse weather conditions in the run-up to the playoffs and the finals of IPL 2027, which will be the 20th edition. "
The secretary acknowledged feedback from stakeholders. "I'm hearing a lot of complaints from the fans as well as from the players, because not all players are very well-equipped or well-acclimatised to play in such hot conditions. So, to provide a pleasant atmosphere for the tournament, we want to close it by 15th of May. That is our first goal now, and that is the prime area of concern for the next year's 20th edition of IPL, which will be a big event.
Saikia also clarified that there are no immediate plans to expand the tournament beyond the current 74 matches, citing the packed international calendar and the need to accommodate overseas players. The earlier finish would require adjustments to the domestic season, with the Ranji Trophy and other competitions potentially wrapping up sooner.
