The Board of Control for Cricket in India is reportedly gearing up for a massive transformation of the Indian Premier League, with plans to introduce two new franchises and expand the tournament to a 94-match format from the 2028 season. The move is expected to take the league from 10 teams to 12, further strengthening its position as the biggest T20 competition in the world.
Since its inception in 2008, the IPL has grown exponentially in terms of viewership, revenue, and global reach. The addition of two teams in 2022 already pushed the number of matches to 74. Now, with another expansion on the cards, the league is set to become even more competitive and commercially powerful.
According to reports, the BCCI is evaluating multiple cities for the new franchises, with a focus on untapped markets that can bring fresh fanbases and commercial opportunities. Cities like Indore, Guwahati, and even international venues have been discussed as potential options. The expansion aligns with the board’s long-term vision to maximize broadcast value and fan engagement.
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From a cricketing perspective, a 12-team IPL will significantly increase opportunities for domestic players. More teams mean more squad spots, more game time, and a wider talent pool getting exposure at the highest level. This could play a crucial role in strengthening India’s bench strength across formats.
However, the expansion also comes with challenges. Managing player workload, scheduling a longer tournament window, and ensuring competitive balance across teams will be key concerns. The BCCI will need to carefully design the format to maintain the intensity and quality that the IPL is known for.
Star players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been central to the league’s success over the years, and an expanded IPL could further elevate their global appeal while bringing new stars into the spotlight.
With media rights already breaking records and sponsorship interest at an all-time high, this potential expansion signals the next phase of IPL’s evolution. If executed well, the 2028 season could mark the beginning of an even bigger, more dynamic era for the league—one that continues to redefine franchise cricket worldwide.
