New Delhi, April 4 – Lalit Modi has backed Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman Arun Singh Dhumal's idea of expanding the IPL window, as discussions around reshaping the global cricket calendar post-2027 gain momentum.
Dhumal had previously stated that the IPL currently consists of 74 matches, but that there is potential for further growth in the future, especially as interest in bilateral cricket declines. He noted that leagues like The Hundred, the Big Bash League, and SA20 are part of a broader trend towards franchise-based competitions.
"If you look at the transition over the last few years, there is definitely less interest in some bilateral games," Dhumal told The Times network.
In a tweet on X, Modi wrote, "I told you so," backing Dhumal's decision to expand the IPL window in the coming years.
However, Dhumal acknowledged that the current international calendar, fixed until 2027, leaves little room for immediate expansion. "It [the bilateral calendar] makes sense, and it is already fixed until 2027. But when they plan post-2027, we will have discussions... hopefully, when we decide on the next cycle, we will be able to carve out a bigger window so we can extend it beyond 74."
Dhumal also outlined possible solutions, including reducing bilateral commitments or identifying new windows in the global schedule. "There are different possibilities. One is reducing some bilaterals. Another is carving out a window elsewhere... all those possibilities can be worked out and whatever works best, we will do."
Emphasizing the IPL's growing global influence, he added, "It's not just about the IPL... that's the new world order for cricket: fewer bilaterals, more league cricket, and in between you have ICC events, a bit like football."
