The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to maintain the 74-matches format for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 as well despite initial plans to expand to 84 matches. The BCCI secretary Jay Shah mentioned that while the expansion is included in the BCCI's media rights and sponsorship agreements, the board is also considering players' workload and that the final decisions on the matter are still pending.
The Economic Times reported that the BCCI's media rights and sponsorship contracts initially outlined plans for the IPL to expand to an 84-match format for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with a further increase to 94 matches in 2027.
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IPL Match Increase Is BCCI's Choice, Not A Mandate: Jay Shah
Jay Shah told ET that increasing the number of IPL matches is the board's prerogative, not an obligation. He noted that while the contract includes a plan for 84 matches in IPL 2025, the BCCI is considering the impact on players before making a final decision on whether to organise 74 or 84 matches.
"We have not taken a call on organising 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor the load on the players due to the increase in matches," Shah told the press on Wednesday, as quoted by the Economic Times. "While it's (84 matches) part of the contract, it's up to the BCCI to decide whether to organise 74 or 84 matches," Shah told ET.
Moreover, according to the sources cited by the ET, TV and digital rights holders Star India and Viacom18 favour maintaining the IPL at 74 matches to avoid viewer fatigue from an expanded format. On the other hand, franchise owners support the proposed 10-match increase, believing it will generate additional revenue.