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PC: anandabazar

For the last several years, there have been 74 matches in every IPL. Despite having 10 teams, the number of matches has not been increased. This may change soon. After two years there can be 94 matches in IPL. Board Chief Arun Dhumal indicated the same thing on Thursday. He also informed that due to the number of seats, the final has been shifted from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad.

There have been 74 matches in the IPL since the time there were eight teams. At that time every team played against each other in home and away format. Now the IPL schedule is made by making two groups of five teams each. Each team plays two matches against five teams and one match against four teams. This may change. If there are 94 matches, then all 10 teams will be able to play two matches against each other. “We have a few teams. However, the total number of matches can be increased. There are no plans to increase the number of teams as of now. If we have to make the number of home and away matches equal, there will be 94 matches,” Dhumal said today.

It all depends on ICC. Because in 2027, when ICC releases the schedule for the next four years, it will keep an eye on how many days it keeps for IPL. Because as of now, it is not possible to conduct 94 matches in 60-65 days. This will greatly increase the number of two matches in a day. Advertising revenue will be affected.

“The schedule is ready till 2027. We need more time. We will try to do it after 2027. If we get that, there will definitely be 94 matches,” Dhumal said. It is learned that a request has been made to keep the IPL for two and a half months in the next ICC cycle.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday it was announced that the final will be held in Ahmedabad. Regarding this, Dhumal said, “It was right to have the final in Bengaluru. We have also talked to the state organization. The state government has to give free tickets to MLAs, MPs and many other people. The capacity of the stadium is not much. There will not be many tickets left even for the league matches.”

He further said, “Since people all over the world are interested in the IPL final, there should be a large number of tickets for the fans. Apart from this, there is also an ICC board meeting. Many members are coming for that. Keeping all this in mind, there was a need for a big stadium. That is why Ahmedabad was chosen.”