IPL 2024 had 74 matches in total.
The sponsorship contracts mentioned an expansion to 84 matches in 2025-26, followed by 94 matches in 2027. An 84-match IPL would have extended the competition by at least a week, possibly necessitating the admission of more franchises.
The conversations are still underway, and a decision may be reached soon. The final decision is up to the BCCI, but the board will consider both majority and minority opinions equally, according to board secretary Jay Shah.
"We have not taken a call on organizing 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor the load on the players due to the increase in matches. While it's (84 matches) part of the contract, it's up to the BCCI to decide whether to organize 74 or 84 matches,” Jay Shah told the Economic Times.
According to sources close to the development, IPL TV and digital rights owners Star India and Viacom18 desire a 74-match IPL, but the teams demand an 84-match competition.
The broadcasters claim that an 84-match IPL could cause viewer fatigue, making ad monetization more difficult, especially given the downturn in media ad spending on the IPL over the last two years despite increased viewership.
As with tournament expansion, a dispute regarding a mega auction for the 2025 season and the number of permissible retentions is ongoing, with franchise owners failing to reach a consensus.
Shah's comments indicated that the board is still undecided and seeking a middle ground.
"Some franchises are in favor of a mega auction since it will allow them to build a strong team. Some franchises don't want a mega-auction since they already have a strong team. Both consistency and shuffling are important," he said.
With so many important decisions to be made, the next few months are going to be both frantic and exciting for Indian cricket.