CricBengal.com | Sports Desk
Lalit Modi, the founding chairman of the Indian Premier League, has proposed a fresh approach to the tournament’s calendar, suggesting that the best window should be identified between October and the end of April. He has also put forward January as a possible starting point for the expanded competition.
In an interview with Cricbuzz, Modi discussed the possibility of increasing the IPL to 94 matches, the challenges of fitting the tournament into the international cricket calendar, player workload, weather conditions and the league’s commercial future. He also called for ICC chairman Jay Shah to help facilitate discussions with other cricket boards.
Why Modi Wants a 94-Match IPL
The IPL began in 2008 with eight teams and a 59-match schedule. The competition has since expanded to 10 teams.
According to Modi, a complete home-and-away league involving all 10 teams would require each side to play every opponent twice—once at home and once away. That would mean 90 league matches, followed by four playoff games, taking the total to 94.
Modi argued that accommodating such an expanded competition within the existing compressed April-May period could increase pressure on players, spectators and tournament staff. He believes the calendar needs to evolve alongside the league.
January Is a Starting Proposal, Not the Only Option
Modi has suggested January as a possible starting point for the IPL. However, his broader proposal is to identify the most suitable dates within the period from October to the end of April.
He stressed that the discussion would require a detailed examination of international fixtures, India’s domestic cricket programme, venues, travel arrangements and player commitments.
International cricket, particularly Test tours, would need protected periods. Players would also require adequate preparation time and genuine rest between assignments.
For Modi, the purpose of reviewing the calendar is to create a better arrangement for the entire cricket schedule rather than simply extending the IPL.
Heat and Dew Among the Key Concerns
Weather conditions are another reason Modi wants the existing window reassessed.
He pointed out that evening matches do not eliminate the effects of heat and humidity. Players warm up before games, spectators travel and queue outside stadiums, while ground staff, security personnel and broadcast crews often work for several hours before the first ball.
Modi favours using the October-to-April period more intelligently, with dates and venues selected according to local conditions.
He also acknowledged that dew could become a significant factor during a January-to-March window. His suggestion is to assess each venue individually, taking into account dew, temperature, rain, fog and air quality.
The aim, he said, should be to avoid conditions in which the toss becomes excessively decisive.
The Commercial Case for a Revised Calendar
Modi also linked his proposal to the commercial future of Indian cricket.
He believes bilateral and ICC broadcast-rights income could face pressure in the next cycle, while the IPL remains the BCCI’s principal commercial asset and an important source of future growth.
However, he clarified that changing the IPL dates would not automatically mean abandoning international cricket or combining different broadcast-rights packages.
Instead, he called for a proper assessment of the additional commercial opportunity from the IPL, the possible impact on international cricket, the costs involved and the interests of other cricket boards.
He argued that the overall benefit to the game should guide the decision.
Managing Viewer Fatigue
A 94-match tournament would also need to address concerns about viewer fatigue.
Modi acknowledged that simply adding more matches would not automatically create greater value. He suggested a more organised weekly rhythm, sensible gaps between fixtures and a schedule that allows supporters to follow their teams throughout the season without feeling compelled to watch every match.
He also said that match duration and finishing times should be managed carefully.
Modi Seeks Jay Shah’s Support
Modi believes that a revised international calendar would require cooperation beyond the BCCI.
He specifically mentioned ICC chairman Jay Shah, saying that discussions with other boards would be necessary to protect international cricket and establish fair arrangements for player availability and release.
He also stressed that countries producing overseas players should have reasons to support any new arrangement.
CricBengal Analysis: Modi’s proposal could lead to a significant discussion about the future structure of the IPL and its place in the global cricket calendar. But the October-to-April window, January start and 94-match format remain proposals presented by the league’s founding chairman. The interview does not announce an approved change by the BCCI or ICC.
Source: Lalit Modi’s interview with Cricbuzz
Published by: CricBengal.com
