New Delhi: In a move aimed at safeguarding players and enhancing spectator comfort, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering advancing the Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule by nearly two weeks from the 2027 season onwards.

Speaking exclusively to PTI, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia said the board is examining the possibility of holding future IPL editions between March 10 and May 15, instead of the traditional late March to late May window.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns over extreme summer temperatures and the onset of pre-monsoon showers during the latter stages of the tournament.

“This year, the IPL started around March 28 and concluded on May 31. During the fag end of the tournament after May 15, there is apprehension of rainfall or the pre-monsoon season setting in. At the same time, the intense heat is not very conducive either for the players or for the spectators,” Saikia said.

According to the BCCI secretary, discussions are underway within the board and the IPL Governing Council to explore the feasibility of starting the tournament earlier.

“From next year, we will make an effort. I have already instructed our General Manager (Games Development), Abbey Kuruvilla, to examine the available windows and assess whether the tournament can begin by March 10 and conclude by May 15,” Saikia said.

He added that the revised schedule would help ensure that crucial playoff matches and the final are conducted under more favourable weather conditions. The 2027 season will mark the 20th edition of the IPL.

However, Saikia clarified that despite speculation regarding a larger tournament format, the number of matches will remain unchanged at 74 games due to constraints posed by the international cricket calendar.

The IPL has traditionally begun in the final week of March and concluded toward the end of May. If approved, the revised schedule would represent one of the most significant calendar adjustments in the tournament’s history.