IPL Expansion Plans: Arun Dhumal Discusses Future of Tournaments
Arun Dhumal Explains Expanded IPL: 'Bigger Window In FTP, Split Tournament Around Bilaterals'
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Arun Dhumal, chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), announced plans to expand the tournament from 74 to 94 matches, aiming for a complete home-and-away format. This expansion hinges on securing a larger window in the ICC's Future Tours Programme, currently locked until 2027, to avoid excessive double-headers.
- 01The IPL aims to transition to a full double round-robin format, allowing each team to play nine home and nine away matches.
- 02Dhumal emphasized the need for a bigger window in the Future Tours Programme to accommodate the increased number of matches without overwhelming broadcasters.
- 03The potential for splitting the IPL season across different times of the year is being considered to mitigate weather-related challenges.
- 04Dhumal reassured that a longer IPL wouldn't negatively impact bilateral cricket revenues, highlighting the growing value of leagues for players and boards.
- 05The ICC's Future Tours Programme is currently locked in until 2027, posing a significant challenge to the proposed expansion.
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Arun Dhumal, chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has outlined ambitious plans to expand the league from 74 to 94 matches in the next media rights cycle. This change aims to implement a complete home-and-away format, allowing each franchise to host nine home games and play nine away matches. Currently, the IPL season lasts around 60 to 65 days, but the existing structure limits teams from facing each other both home and away. Dhumal stated that achieving this goal depends on securing a larger window in the ICC's Future Tours Programme, which is locked until 2027. Without this extension, increasing the number of matches could lead to more double-headers, which broadcasters find less appealing. Furthermore, Dhumal suggested the possibility of splitting the IPL season across different times of the year, contingent on international schedules and weather conditions. He addressed concerns regarding the impact of a longer IPL on bilateral cricket revenues, asserting that leagues are becoming increasingly valuable for players and boards alike. Dhumal emphasized that the focus should remain on maximizing benefits for players and stakeholders.
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The proposed expansion of the IPL could significantly enhance the tournament's attractiveness, potentially increasing revenue for franchises and creating more opportunities for players.
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