BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Breaks Silence On IPL Expansion, May Window Changes

Kochi Tuskers IPL Row: Lalit Modi Drops Bombshell, Claims Shashi Tharoor Threatened Him With Government Raids

Shivam Sharma — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 10:01:28 +0530

In a series of explosive revelations regarding the tumultuous 2010 Kochi Tuskers Indian Premier League (IPL) controversy, former IPL Chairman Lalit Modi has alleged that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor directly threatened him with government raids. Modi claimed the threat was made to stop him from investigating the suspicious equity structure involving Tharoor's late wife, Sunanda Pushkar.

Speaking in an interview with ANI, Modi recalled that the conflict erupted during a late-night franchise meeting in Bengaluru. The Kochi consortium had won the expansion team bid for a staggering $350 million, but Modi grew highly suspicious of their financial framework.

Also Read | Watch: RCB Player's 'Cigar' Celebration Goes Viral; Here's What Really Happened

According to Modi, a massive 25% free equity stake - along with 15% of the team's future revenue - was being allocated to Sunanda Pushkar despite her contributing zero capital to the franchise. When Modi demanded to know her identity and refused to sign the official franchise agreement until all shadow shareholders were made public, the situation escalated rapidly.

Alleged Threat From Foreign Minister

Lalit Modi alleged that he subsequently received an aggressive phone call from Tharoor, who was serving as India’s Minister of State for External Affairs at the time:

"I get a call from Shashi Tharoor on the phone. He says, 'Lalit, don't ask about Sunanda Pushkar. She is a good friend of mine.' I asked why, and he said, 'If you do, I'll have you raided in the morning.' I said, 'Screw you. Who the hell do you think you are? You may be the Foreign Minister of India, but don't you dare ever tell me this.' I slammed the phone and said I would not sign."

#WATCH | On the 2010 IPL Kochi scandal, IPL founder and first chairman Lalit Modi says, "Sonia Gandhi was backing Shashi Tharoor. I got calls from Ahmed Patel and Pranab Mukherjee in those days. You had that p@** Rajeev Shukla coming up to me and say 'Chalo Ahmed Patel aa raha… pic.twitter.com/eYX8zIXu4h
— ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2026

Signed Under Duress Amid UPA Pressure

Modi further claimed that his resistance triggered a massive political backlash. He alleged that the entire machinery of the then-ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government ganged up against him, stating that Tharoor enjoyed high-level political backing from Sonia Gandhi. Modi noted that he received numerous calls from top Congress leaders of the era, including Ahmed Patel, Pranab Mukherjee, and Rajiv Shukla, all pressuring him to comply.

Despite his pleas to delay the signing until morning, then-BCCI President Shashank Manohar allegedly demanded he execute the contract immediately. Modi stated that he eventually signed the paperwork under immense duress, explicitly noting on the official document that he was being forced to do so by the board's president.

The controversial Kochi franchise was eventually terminated by the BCCI in 2011 after playing just a single IPL season. The fallout from the April 2010 equity scandal had previously forced Shashi Tharoor to resign from his ministerial post.

Watch: RCB Player's 'Cigar' Celebration Goes Viral; Here's What Really Happened

Shivam Sharma — Thu, 4 Jun 2026 08:14:27 +0530

Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter Tim David has once again found himself at the center of social media buzz following the conclusion of IPL 2026. The Australian star, who was involved in a couple of controversies during the season, is now making headlines because of a viral video that appears to show him smoking a cigar on the field.

During the IPL campaign, David grabbed attention on multiple occasions. He was criticized for allegedly showing a middle-finger gesture from the dugout during a match and was also involved in an incident where he appeared frustrated with an umpiring decision. Now, a fresh video circulating online has sparked another debate among cricket fans.

WATCH VIDEO

Tim David smoking cigar after Final victory🧐,Is this real or Ai ?

If this is real , This could also be a reason for the ban.#Timdavid #rcbfinal pic.twitter.com/4Bp3RLVq30
— Infinite Infos (@infiniteInfos) June 3, 2026

What Is Truth Behind Viral Video?

The clip has spread rapidly across social media platforms, with users divided over its authenticity. While some believe the footage is genuine, others have claimed it may have been created or altered using artificial intelligence.

Also Read | Suryakumar Yadav Loses Captaincy: Here's What Led To The Big Call

Although there has been no official confirmation regarding the video's authenticity, a photograph shared after RCB's title-winning campaign has added fuel to the speculation. In the image, posted by teammate Phil Salt on Instagram, Tim David can be seen holding what appears to be a cigar during the team's celebrations.

As a result, some fans have argued that the viral video could be real. However, there is currently no verified evidence confirming that the footage is authentic, and no official statement has been issued on the matter.

Tim David's IPL 2026 Performance

Despite the off-field discussions, David enjoyed a productive season with the bat for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Playing the finisher's role, he scored 305 runs in 15 innings across 16 matches, averaging 33.88 while maintaining an impressive strike rate of 188.27. He also registered one half-century during the campaign.

Looking at his overall IPL career, David has featured in 66 matches and scored 1,151 runs in 59 innings. He averages 32.88 and boasts a strike rate of 177.07, underlining his reputation as one of the league's most destructive middle-order hitters. His highest IPL score remains an unbeaten 70, and he has recorded two half-centuries so far.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Now A Subject Of IIM Indore Research - Here's Why

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 17:42:43 +0530

Just weeks after the conclusion of IPL 2026, Rajasthan Royals sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making headlines for reasons beyond cricket. The 15-year-old batting prodigy, who took the tournament by storm with his record-breaking performances, has now become the subject of a research study by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Indore.

Titled "Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Mindset and Management," the study aims to understand the qualities that enabled a teenager from a humble background to excel on one of the world's biggest sporting stages. Rather than focusing solely on his batting skills, researchers are keen to explore the mental resilience, discipline, and decision-making abilities that fueled his remarkable rise.

IPL Season That Sparked Academic Interest

Vaibhav emerged as the standout performer of IPL 2026, scoring more than 700 runs in 17 matches and finishing as the tournament's leading run-scorer. He also smashed an unprecedented 72 sixes during the season, the highest ever recorded in a single IPL campaign.

With a strike rate exceeding 200 and consistent performances throughout the tournament, the teenager left bowlers searching for answers. His ability to handle pressure and deliver match-winning knocks at such a young age caught the attention not only of cricket fans but also of management experts.

From Bihar to Biggest Stage

Vaibhav's journey makes his success story even more compelling. Hailing from Samastipur in Bihar, he grew up in a farming family with limited resources and no cricketing background. He honed his skills on local grounds before being spotted by Rajasthan Royals scouts, who secured him for ₹1.10 crore.

According to IIM Indore researchers, his story mirrors that of a successful startup—someone who rose from modest beginnings without significant institutional support and established himself among the best through determination, adaptability, and self-belief.

What Will IIM Indore Study?

Led by Professor Chandan Parsai, the research will focus on three major areas:

Decision-making under pressure

Recovering from setbacks and failures

Continuous self-improvement and learning

Researchers want to understand how Vaibhav maintains composure in high-pressure situations, responds to poor performances, and stays focused despite the fame and attention that come with IPL success.

A Scientific "Mindset Scan"

The study will involve detailed interviews with Vaibhav, his family, childhood coaches, Rajasthan Royals support staff, and sports psychologists. Researchers will also analyze match footage to examine his behavior and decision-making during crucial moments.

By studying his reactions under pressure, body language, shot selection, and recovery from mistakes, the team hopes to build a comprehensive picture of the mindset behind his success.

Discipline Behind the Success

Reports suggest that Vaibhav follows a highly structured routine. His day begins early with yoga and meditation, followed by long training sessions. He maintains a strict diet and reportedly stays away from social media distractions, allowing him to focus entirely on cricket and recovery.

For IIM Indore, these habits offer valuable lessons in self-management, discipline, and long-term goal-setting.

Why This Matters Beyond Cricket

The case study will eventually be used in IIM Indore's courses on leadership, strategy, and organizational behavior. Researchers believe Vaibhav's journey offers important lessons for aspiring business leaders, demonstrating how resilience, adaptability, and consistent improvement can drive success in any field.

According to Professor Parsai, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi represents the kind of resilient mindset that future leaders and professionals will need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

No End To Suryakumar Yadav's Nightmare Run, Flops Again After IPL 2026

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 10:03:02 +0530

Just two days after the end of IPL 2026, Suryakumar Yadav was back in action, but his struggles with the bat continued. The India T20 captain is currently featuring in Mumbai T20 League, where he failed to make a significant impact in a match against North Mumbai Panthers. Suryakumar scored only 19 runs as his side, Triumph Knights, went down by 21 runs.

Suryakumar's latest failure comes on the back of a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign. Representing Mumbai Indians, he managed just 270 runs in 13 matches and scored only two half-centuries throughout the season. His form also remained below expectations during the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he scored 242 runs in nine matches while leading India.

Also Read | Sachin Tendulkar's Reddit Post On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Takes Internet By Storm

Adding to the concerns surrounding his form, reports have suggested that the selectors may no longer view Suryakumar Yadav as part of their long-term plans for the 2028 T20 World Cup.

In the match played on Tuesday, the North Mumbai Panthers, led by Ajinkya Rahane, posted a massive total of 209 runs after being asked to bat first. Chasing the target, Triumph Knights got off to a poor start, losing two wickets with just 20 runs on the board. Suryakumar walked in at No. 4 and looked promising early in his innings.

Also Read | IPL 2026's Flop XI: Hardik Pandya Named Captain, Rishabh Pant Wicketkeeper

The Mumbai Indians star raced to 19 runs off just 11 balls, striking four boundaries and appearing set for a big score. However, Rahul Sawant outfoxed him, bringing an end to his brief stay at the crease. At the time of his dismissal, the Knights were struggling at 57/3.

Despite a fighting knock of 93 runs from 56 balls by Nutan Kumar Goyal, Triumph Knights could only reach 188 runs in their allotted 20 overs, falling 21 runs short of the target.

IPL 2026's Flop XI: Hardik Pandya Named Captain, Rishabh Pant Wicketkeeper

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 09:23:51 +0530

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League saw several marquee players struggle to justify their reputation and price tags. While 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Suryavanshi lit up the tournament with the most runs, and South African pacer Kagiso Rabada finished as the leading wicket-taker, a number of established stars endured disappointing campaigns. Several prominent international cricketers also feature in this underwhelming list.

For our IPL 2026 Flop XI, the opening pair consists of Lucknow Super Giants' Aiden Markram and Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav. Signed by LSG for ₹2 crore, Markram managed only 231 runs in 12 matches and failed to score a single half-century during the season.

Also Read | Sachin Tendulkar's Reddit Post On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Takes Internet By Storm

Suryakumar, meanwhile, could score just 270 runs, making it his poorest IPL season since 2018.

The middle order includes Chennai Super Kings batter Dewald Brevis, Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant, Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Jitesh Sharma, and Gujarat Titans finisher Rahul Tewatia. Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya and Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel also find themselves in this unwanted XI, highlighting how even franchise leaders struggled to make an impact this season.

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The bowling attack is led by none other than Jasprit Bumrah, a bowler widely regarded among the best in world cricket. He is joined by Trent Boult and Varun Chakravarthy, both of whom failed to produce the performances expected of them. Lucknow Super Giants' Nicholas Pooran has been named the Impact Player in this Flop XI.

IPL 2026 Flop XI

Aiden Markram
Suryakumar Yadav
Dewald Brevis
Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)
Jitesh Sharma
Rahul Tewatia
Hardik Pandya (Captain)
Axar Patel
Jasprit Bumrah
Trent Boult
Varun Chakravarthy

Impact Player: Nicholas Pooran

Together, these players represent some of the biggest disappointments of IPL 2026, having fallen well short of the expectations placed upon them by their franchises and fans alike.

Sachin Tendulkar's Reddit Post On Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Takes Internet By Storm

Shivam Sharma — Wed, 3 Jun 2026 09:12:11 +0530

The Indian Premier League has long been celebrated as a platform where young talent meets life-changing financial windfalls. However, legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar believes that the rise of teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi during the 2026 season carries a significance that stretches far beyond his massive auction price or overnight stardom.

According to Tendulkar, the young phenom's breakthrough is a historic milestone that will fundamentally alter how grassroots cricket is perceived and scouted across India.

Also Read | Once An IPL Crorepati, Now A Bank Employee - Guess Who?

Sooryavanshi turned heads globally when he was snapped up at the player auction as a mere 13-year-old, making him the youngest player ever to secure an IPL contract. While critics initially wondered if the intense pressure of the tournament would overwhelm someone so young, his fearless performances on the pitch quickly silenced the skeptics.

Reflecting on the teenager's debut season, Sachin Tendulkar emphasized that focusing solely on the financial metrics misses the bigger picture:

"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi influenced games that went beyond the runs he scored. Oppositions were thinking about him, teams were planning for him, and fans were waiting for him long before he arrived at the crease," Tendulkar wrote in a Reddit post.

Also Read | BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Breaks Silence On IPL Expansion, May Window Changes

For decades, conventional wisdom dictates that cricketers must grind through years of age-group and domestic structures before they are deemed mature enough for the elite tier. Tendulkar points out that Sooryavanshi has completely shattered this template, proving that modern coaching and innate talent can fast-track a player to the absolute top.

"His ability to score rapidly in both the Eliminator and the Qualifier showed that his intent remained unchanged, even as the pressure increased. More importantly, his batting seemed to give Rajasthan Royals an added sense of belief every time he walked out to the middle," Sachin Tendulkar said.

Once An IPL Crorepati, Now A Bank Employee - Siddharth Kaul's Surprising Career Shift

Shivam Sharma — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 17:39:52 +0530

When professional cricketers hang up their boots, most transition into highly visible roles like coaching, broadcasting, or playing in veteran T20 leagues. However, former Indian pacer Siddharth Kaul surprised fans by choosing a completely conventional corporate path following his retirement from domestic cricket in late 2024. Today, Kaul is employed at a branch of the State Bank of India (SBI) in Chandigarh.

Glorious Start and a Quiet Exit

Siddharth Kaul first shot into the national spotlight as a crucial member of the iconic 2008 Under-19 World Cup-winning squad, which was led by Virat Kohli. Renowned for his skiddy pace and death-bowling utility, Kaul earned a call-up to the senior national side a decade later, ultimately representing India in 3 ODIs and 3 T20Is between 2018 and 2019.

While he remained a reliable mainstay for Punjab in domestic cricket - snapping up nearly 300 first-class wickets - dwindling opportunities at the highest level prompted him to officially step away from Indian cricket in late 2024 to begin a fresh chapter in the banking sector.

Multi-Million Dollar IPL Journey

Though his international stints were brief, Kaul enjoyed a highly lucrative and impactful run in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Over his 55-match tournament career, he picked up 58 wickets, with a personal best configuration of 4/29.

Siddharth Kaul's IPL career:

2008 (Kolkata Knight Riders): Purchased for ₹20 Lakh during the inaugural auction, though he did not make his debut during the season.

2013–2014 (Delhi Daredevils): Bought for ₹50 Lakh in 2013 and subsequently retained the following year for ₹45 Lakh.

2016–2017 (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Picked up at his base price, quickly establishing himself as a core death bowler for the franchise.

2018–2021 (Sunrisers Hyderabad): Retained by the franchise via a massive ₹3.80 Crore bid, remaining a key part of the squad for four seasons.

2022–2023 (Royal Challengers Bangalore): Signed by RCB for ₹75 Lakh, marking his final stint in the tournament.

Normalizing Post-Cricket Office Life

The news of Kaul's transition to a desk job at SBI caught many sports fans off-guard, but it wasn't an overnight pivot. Kaul had actually been associated with the State Bank of India under their sports quota since 2017, even earning a corporate promotion in 2020 while still an active athlete.

Once he finalized his retirement and went unpicked in subsequent player auctions, Kaul simply transitioned into a full-time professional role at the Chandigarh office - proving that there is life, stability, and success outside the boundary ropes.

Lalit Modi Reveals How Shah Rukh Khan, Who Didn’t Like Cricket, Became KKR Owner

Arfa Javaid — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 16:45:29 +0530

Fugitive businessman and IPL founder Lalit Modi recently appeared on a podcast hosted by Humans of Bombay founder and CEO Karishma Mehta. During the conversation, he opened up about several aspects of his life, from his relationship with Sushmita Sen to the creation of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Among the many topics he discussed, one of the most fascinating was the story of how Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan eventually became the owner of IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders, despite having little interest in cricket at the time.

Lalit Modi Took SRK To Watch Cricket

Recalling the events that preceded the IPL, and the founding of KKR and Shah Rukh Khan becoming its owner, Lalit Modi highlighted how the crowd went berserk after seeing the actor at the game.

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“I took Shah Rukh Khan to a game as BCCI President to Rajasthan when we had the first Rajasthan international game ever in the history of India, which is played at SMS stadium, which I renovated and built - and this was much before the IPL. A year before that. I saw the crowd going absolutely hysterical when he came to the match. He became the highlight of the match.”

According to Lalit Modi, that experience convinced him that Shah Rukh Khan had the star power needed to attract television audiences. At the time, prime-time television slots around 8 pm were largely dominated by daily soaps, and Modi believed a celebrity like Shah Rukh could help bring viewers to cricket broadcasts.

Convinced Shah Rukh Khan To Buy IPL Team

Modi revealed that Shah Rukh Khan was initially hesitant about investing in cricket because he neither followed nor understood the sport. Another major hiccup was the amount needed to buy the team. “Shah Rukh didn’t like cricket, didn’t understand cricket, and didn’t know cricket. He’s a football fan. When I said to him, ‘I need you to buy a team and win a team,’ he was a little apprehensive at first. He said, 'I don't understand anything about cricket.’ I said, ‘Leave that to me. I will ensure that I put a team and a system in place for you if you happen to win it.’”

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He added that Shah Rukh Khan became even more hesitant when the topic of investment came up, and was not immediately convinced about buying a team. “He asked, ‘How much is it going to cost?’ I said, 'The down payment is Rs 20 crore or $5 million.’ He said, 'But that’s a big part of my savings account.’ I said, ‘Yes, I understand.’”

Nokia Deal Helped SRK Come On Board

Lalit Modi also recalled how a sponsorship arrangement with Nokia helped make the investment more attractive for Shah Rukh Khan.

“There was a company called Nokia that made handsets. They were desperate to have Shah Rukh Khan as a brand ambassador for Nokia. Shah Rukh wasn’t interested in talking to Nokia, and I couldn’t interfere in his business. That’s his personal endorsement business. But I did say to Nokia, ‘If Shah Rukh Khan were to win a team, would you sponsor the front of the shirt of the team? I can guarantee Shah Rukh Khan will wear your T-shirt and wear the cap with Nokia on it. And will you pay a $5 million advance payment for that?’ They said, ‘Sure.’”

Modi said the arrangement was known only to a few people and worked in favour of both parties.

“So it was a win-win for Nokia and Shah Rukh both. Shah Rukh put in the money - he wrote a cheque at 12 in the day and by the evening, Nokia had already written another cheque to sponsor the team and the KKR consortium.”

Reflecting on the early days of the IPL, Modi said he had to ensure that the league was commercially viable for team owners while also attracting broadcasters, sponsors, advertisers and viewers.

“So I had to worry about the owners making money and not losing money. On the other hand, I had to make sure that it clicks and there’s viewership and advertisers come in, and a broadcaster is ready to broadcast. Sponsor is ready to sponsor it. So there were so many different hats I had on, and each one of them I had to make sure that I played it right and did the right thing.”

Watch: Virat Kohli And Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Viral 'Kikli' Dance Lights Up RCB's IPL Celebrations

Shivam Sharma — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 16:21:09 +0530

The euphoria surrounding Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) historic back-to-back IPL triumphs shows no signs of slowing down. As the franchise enjoys its status as defending-turned-consecutive champions, behind-the-scenes footage from their victory bash has taken social media by storm.

Among the many viral clips featuring skipper Rajat Patidar, mentor Dinesh Karthik, and the rest of the squad, one standout video has fans completely obsessed: batting maestro Virat Kohli and veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar teaming up on the dance floor to perform a highly energetic, traditional Punjabi "Kikli" dance step.

WATCH VIDEO

Kohlii uploaded a normal non ad story i am shocked 😭 pic.twitter.com/ofL9zODcN7
— ss🦭 (@nushstan) June 2, 2026

Retaining the Throne in Style

The celebration comes on the heels of a magnificent, clinical performance by RCB at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Facing an in-form Gujarat Titans (GT) team led by Shubman Gill, RCB’s bowling department choked the opposition to a modest 155 runs.

The subsequent run-chase was steered effortlessly by Kohli, who anchored the innings with a match-winning, unbeaten 75*. "Chase Master" Kohli finished the final in typical box-office fashion, smashing left-arm pacer Arshad Khan for a match-ending maximum on the final ball of the 18th over.

With a 5-wicket win and two full overs to spare, RCB became only the third franchise in IPL history - after Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians - to successfully defend their crown.

Dream Come True for Icon

For Kohli, who was rightfully named the Player of the Match for his finals masterclass, hitting the actual winning runs to seal an IPL trophy for RCB was a lifelong aspiration realized.

Reflecting on the surreal crowning moment during the post-match presentation, an emotional Virat Kohli stated:

"This is the literal stuff you dream of. I have conceptualized this exact moment in my head so many times - wanting to be out there and hitting the winning run for the team in a final." With the drought completely broken and a second consecutive trophy locked inside the cabinet, the celebratory scenes from the Bengaluru camp prove they are winning both on the field and on the dance floor.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia Breaks Silence On IPL Expansion, May Window Changes

Shivam Sharma — Tue, 2 Jun 2026 13:12:46 +0530

Following a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Indian Premier League season - which saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru clinch successive titles in Ahmedabad - the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding the expansion of the tournament.

Reports suggested that the cash-rich league could soon increase its schedule from 74 matches to a massive 94-match format, but BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has made it clear that adding more fixtures is not on the immediate horizon. Instead, administrative focus has shifted entirely toward countering unpredictable weather and extreme climate challenges.

Also Read | Watch: Lalit Modi Finally Speaks Out On Sushmita Sen, Reacts To 'Gold Digger' Label

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said (as quoted by Hindustan Times): “I cannot say at this moment that we are taking the matter very seriously to increase it from 74 to 94 because there are a lot of other factors involved. We have to look at the various FTPs and the participation of other countries in bilateral and other multinational tournaments where the ICC is the governing body. So, there is no immediate talk about increasing it. But let's see how things progress after 2027. Only time will tell.”

Extreme Summer Heat and Monsoons Force Schedule Review

The actual priority driving internal board discussions is protecting players and fans from intense summer conditions. The late-May stretch of the 2026 season proved difficult, with various host cities dealing with blistering heatwaves, while other venues faced disruptive pre-monsoon showers.

Saikia said, “The only concern we are feeling, and it is in our discussion, is that while the tournament continues till 31st May, some venues are either showing signs of rain or experiencing high temperatures. So, we may be exploring ways to bring IPL forward by another 15 days.”

A Mid-March Start and a Mid-May Finish

To avoid pushing the tournament deep into the most brutal phase of the Indian summer, the BCCI is planning to move the opening match closer to mid-March. The ultimate goal is to wrap up the entire competition by mid-May.

He further explained, “This year, we started it around March 28. We'll try to bring IPL a bit ahead of the season, maybe by March 15. We are working on it and will finish and close it by May 15 so that the rigors of the warm weather or the rain will not have any impact on the players as well as the crowd and the fans, which is very important because to watch a match, especially the matches in the hot sun, it is very difficult and very uncomfortable for the fans also because of the high temperature in some of the venues. So, we are working on it.”