Number of matches in upcoming IPL season will not be increased

BCCI are set to keep the total number of matches in the IPL same at 74 despite earlier reports of increasing them in the next event.

IPL Trophy (Via X)

The Board Of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has taken the decision that they will not increase the total number of matches in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They have decided to keep the number of matches to 74 despite earlier reports stating that the number of matches in the upcoming seasons could see an increase in the number.

BCCI wants to look into the player’s welfare, among the workload of the cricketers and don’t want to overburden them with too many matches amidst policies to increase the financial returns from the league. The earlier reports stated that the number of matches will be increased to 84 for the 2025 and 2026 seasons and then to 94 in 2027 season.

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

Jay Shah, the current BCCI Secretary, wants to take care of the welfare of the players besides increasing the financial gains from the IPL. So, all in all, it is definitely going to benefit the players, given that the number of international matches they play as well and the increase in the window of the IPL will not overburden their schedule.

Ravichandran Ashwin enters elite list after phenomenal century against Bangladesh

There will be a mega auction ahead of the start of IPL 2025

As per recent reports, the BCCI will allow the franchises to retain a maximum of five players ahead of the start of the IPL 2025 auction. If this is implemented as an official rule, the teams can retain close to the half of the core players of their playing XI.

Owners from teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Gujarat Titans wanted more than five retentions and BCCI might support their plans.

Unwanted HISTORY created as Afghanistan versus New Zealand becomes first Test to be washed out in 91 years without single ball being bowled due to rain

The rules were earlier expected to be announced by the end of August but it did not happen. Meanwhile, it is expected that the official rules might be announced on September 27, 2024 (Thursday).