BCCI considering a winter window for IPL

Watching IPL matches in the sweltering heat of April and May is often exhausting for cricket fans, while frequent thunderstorms and rain interruptions often spoil the spectacle. Cricketers also get dog tired after performing on the field. That is the reason why a winter IPL could make the world’s premier franchise cricket league even more enjoyable.

At the IPL final in Ahmedabad on Sunday, the afternoon temperature touched nearly 40°C. Even when the match began in the evening, it hovered around 35°C, with humidity levels at approximately 55 percent. Players were frequently seen wiping sweat off their faces with towels.

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This was the case for most matches in this year’s IPL. Only the games played in the hill town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh offered relatively comfortable weather conditions. At almost every other venue, both spectators and players had to endure intense heat and humidity. Several cricketers also suffered from muscle cramps due to the extreme conditions.

To avoid staging the IPL in such harsh weather and to make the tournament more comfortable for everyone involved, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is reportedly considering shifting the IPL window to September–October. Sources within the board suggest that BCCI may seek approval from the International Cricket Council (ICC) for a winter IPL window. However, before any formal proposal is made, the board’s members would need to reach a consensus through internal discussions.

In an exclusive chat with The Statesman, a senior member of the IPL Governing Council acknowledged the possibility. He said “The idea is certainly being considered, but there hasn’t been much discussion within the board yet. We need detailed deliberations before making a decision. We will also have to consult sponsors and broadcasters. We cannot move forward without carefully assessing the challenges that such a shift might create.”

One of the biggest obstacles to a winter IPL would be hosting matches in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Winter nights in these regions are extremely cold and often accompanied by heavy dew, making evening matches difficult. One possible solution could be scheduling games in the afternoon, but that would require the approval of broadcasters. There are also several other challenges that could hinder the implementation of a winter IPL.

The most significant question is whether the ICC would permit the IPL to occupy that period. Winter is traditionally the busiest time for international cricket, with most countries hosting bilateral series. As a result, a winter IPL could intensify the long-standing conflict between international commitments and franchise cricket, forcing players to choose between representing their countries and playing in the league.

Even if these challenges are resolved, a winter IPL is unlikely to begin before the 2028 season. The ICC’s Future Tours Programme (FTP) is already finalized through March 2027. Additionally, the 50-over Cricket World Cup is scheduled to be held in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia in October–November next year.

The BCCI is also considering expanding the number of teams and matches in the IPL from the 2028 season. A larger tournament would require a longer schedule. If the IPL continued to start in March, it could stretch into June, when the monsoon season begins across much of India, increasing the likelihood of rain-affected matches.

There have also been complaints from players and coaches—particularly overseas cricketers—about the physical toll of playing in extreme heat. These concerns are among the key reasons why the BCCI has begun exploring the possibility of turning the IPL into a winter tournament.

Whether this idea ultimately becomes reality remains to be seen. But if it does, there is little doubt that it could make the IPL an even more enjoyable experience for cricket fans around the world.