IPL 2026 May Move Out of Heat as BCCI Plans March Start, Weighs Rain Risks
BCCI considers shifting IPL to March start to avoid heat and rain disruptions.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reviewing the Indian Premier League (IPL) calendar amid growing concerns over extreme summer heat and late-season weather disruptions, with discussions underway on potentially shifting the tournament’s traditional April–May window to an earlier start.
The review comes as the IPL is expected to expand further in the coming years, raising logistical challenges around scheduling, player workload, broadcasting commitments and alignment with the global cricket calendar. Officials believe the current two-month window could become increasingly difficult to sustain without structural changes.
IPL chairman Arun Dhumal said weather has emerged as a key concern in planning future editions of the league, particularly with May becoming increasingly harsh across several venues. He indicated that the board is actively examining alternative windows to reduce exposure to extreme conditions and improve playing safety.
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“One of the options being considered is a window between February and April, and possibly other periods later in the year,” Dhumal said in comments to Sportstar, adding that a mid-March start is among the possibilities under discussion. Such a shift, he noted, could help avoid the peak summer heat that often affects match conditions and player endurance.
Currently, the IPL runs for nearly two months, typically concluding in late May. However, any expansion of the tournament in future broadcast cycles would require either a longer window, more double-headers, or even a revised structure, all of which present significant scheduling complexities for the board and stakeholders.
Dhumal also stressed that any major change would require detailed consultation with broadcasters and commercial partners. He noted that a potential September–October window has also been discussed internally, given its proximity to the festive advertising season ahead of Diwali, which is considered highly valuable from a commercial standpoint.
However, shifting the IPL window would also require balancing international cricket commitments and franchise availability, making the decision a complex one for the BCCI. Officials are expected to continue internal discussions before arriving at a final recommendation on whether the tournament’s long-standing schedule should be altered.
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