IPL likely to be scrapped from March-May window, confirms Arun Dhumal – IPL to Shift from March-May Window? BCCI Eyes September-October Slot

Ethan Arora · 27/05/2026 · 4 min read

A New Era for the Indian Premier League?

The landscape of world cricket may be on the verge of a seismic shift. For nearly two decades, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been synonymous with the sweltering heat of the Indian summer, typically occupying the months of March, April, and May. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now actively evaluating a departure from this established calendar, signaling what could be the most significant structural change in the tournament’s history.

IPL chairman Arun Dhumal recently shed light on the internal discussions regarding the future of the league. With player welfare becoming a paramount concern and the intensifying Indian summer making conditions increasingly difficult, the BCCI is seeking a more sustainable model.

Addressing the Challenges of the Summer Heat

The primary driver behind this potential shift is the physical toll the current schedule takes on athletes. Playing high-intensity cricket in peak summer temperatures has become a grueling experience. Players face severe challenges regarding exhaustion and dehydration, not only during matches but also during rigorous practice sessions. With the BCCI planning to expand the number of matches after 2028, the current logistical window is being viewed as increasingly untenable.

“We need to sit across from and speak to the broadcaster for their opinion on whether the tournament can be moved to another window,” Arun Dhumal noted in recent discussions. The need to balance player health with the expanding demands of a larger, more comprehensive tournament is a priority for the IPL Governing Council.

The Commercial Argument: The Diwali Advantage

Beyond the weather-related concerns, there is a compelling business case for moving the IPL to the September-October window. This period aligns perfectly with the festive season in India, specifically leading up to Diwali. For brands and advertisers, this is the most lucrative time of the year.

By positioning the IPL during the pre-Diwali period, the BCCI hopes to unlock unprecedented sponsorship deals and advertisement revenue. Arun Dhumal highlighted this, stating, “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. We will look at that when the next bilateral tender comes into play, in case we can find a window there.”

Complexities of the Transition

While the benefits seem clear, executing such a change is far from straightforward. The BCCI must navigate a labyrinth of factors, including:

Broadcaster Consultation: Ensuring that shifting the dates aligns with the interests and current agreements of media partners.
International Cricket Calendar: Coordinating with the ICC and other cricket boards to ensure player availability and avoid conflicts with other major international series.
Global Participation: The IPL attracts talent from across the globe; therefore, any change in timing must consider the availability of overseas stars who are committed to their own national team schedules.

The BCCI has emphasized that any final decision will be made only after thorough consultations and a comprehensive review of the next bilateral tender cycle.

The Current State of Play

As discussions about the future continue, the focus remains firmly on the present. The IPL 2026 season is currently reaching its thrilling conclusion. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have already punched their ticket to the finals, waiting to see who will join them from the high-stakes playoff matches.

The Eliminator, scheduled for May 27 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh, will see Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) take on the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The winner of that clash will progress to Qualifier 2 on May 29 to face the Gujarat Titans for the final spot in the championship match.

Whether or not the IPL shifts to a new window in the coming years remains a subject of intense speculation, but one thing is certain: the BCCI is committed to evolving the tournament to ensure it remains the premier cricket spectacle on the planet, prioritizing both the health of the players and the commercial longevity of the sport.

Ethan Arora

Ethan Arora is a senior editor and long-form cricket writer for ESPNcricinfo. Based in Karachi, he has covered Pakistan cricket and global tournaments for over two decades, contributing to publications such as The Cricket Monthly, Dawn, and The Guardian. His work often explores the intersection of cricket, politics, and culture in South Asia, with a particular focus on fast bowling history, Test cricket narratives, and the internal dynamics of the Pakistan dressing room. Samiuddin is also the editor of The Unquiet Ones: A History of Pakistan Cricket, widely regarded as one of the definitive books on the subject. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, he is known for marrying American long-form journalism techniques with the rich oral traditions of the subcontinent. Follow him for sharp match analysis, player profiles, and behind-the-scenes features from ICC events and Pakistan Super League coverage.