“We also have to factor the load on the players” – Jay Shah says IPL may not extend to 84 matches in 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Jay Shah has confirmed that IPL will not extend to 84 matches in the next season of 2025. Shah said they also have to factor in the load of the players. The Indian team has hectic scheduling and plays almost all across the year.

After the Sri Lanka tour, the Indian team got a much-needed break as they will next take on Bangladesh from September 19. With so much of cricket all around the year, it is imperative for the governing body to manage the workload of players.

Meanwhile, the IPL is a two-month affair and more than 60 matches are played in the cash-rich tournament.

The sponsorship contracts mention that 84 matches could be hosted in the upcoming season and 94 games could be played in 2027, with BCCI also increasing the number of franchises.

“We have not taken a call on organising 84 matches in IPL 2025 since we also have to factor the load on the players due to the increase in matches,” Shah told the press on Wednesday, as quoted by the Economic Times. “While it’s (84 matches) part of the contract, it’s up to the BCCI to decide whether to organise 74 or 84 matches.”

Meanwhile, BCCI recently held a meeting with IPL owners to decide the retention rules for the mega auction. Shah said some franchises want the mega auction whereas some are against the idea as they already have potent teams.

“Some franchises are in favour of a mega auction since it will give them an opportunity to build a strong team. Some franchises don’t want a mega-auction since they already have a strong team. Both consistency and shuffling are important,” he said.

As per reports, BCCI is interested in hosting a mega auction in December.