BCCI likely to retain 74-match format for IPL 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is considering to retain the 74-match format for the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) edition. This decision comes despite initial plans to in the number of matches to 84, as outlined in media rights contracts. However, according to BCCI secretary Jay Shah, the final decision on this matter is yet to be ascertained. Here are further details.
Media rights contracts and player workload
BCCI's media rights and sponsorship contracts initially proposed an 84-match format for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This was set to increase to 94 matches in 2027. However, Shah has clarified that the decision to increase matches is at the discretion of the cricket board and not a contractual obligation. He emphasized that player workload is a significant factor in this decision-making process.
Official statement of Jay Shah
Shah, in a conversation with The Economic Times, said, "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." "While it's (84 matches) part of the contract, it's up to the BCCI to decide whether to organise 74 or 84 matches."
Broadcasters, franchises divided over match increase
Insiders revealed that IPL's TV and digital rights owners, Star India and Viacom18 are in favor of a 74-match IPL. In contrast, the franchises prefer a tournament comprising 84 matches. The broadcasters argue that an extended IPL could lead to viewer fatigue and complicate ad monetization. This concern arises particularly due to a decrease in media ad expenditure on IPL over the past two years despite growing viewership.
Star India, Viacom18's merger could impact IPL 2025
Star India and Viacom18 are currently merging their businesses, subject to approvals from the Competition Commission of India and the National Company Law Tribunal. The proposed merged entity will manage over 110 TV channels and two streaming platforms, Disney+ Hotstar and JioCinema. Both Disney and Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) are optimistic that this merger will be finalized before IPL 2025.
Financial implications of retaining 74-match IPL format
According to The Economical Times, the companies would pay less for a 74-match IPL as media rights fees are paid per match. The bidding was based on 410 matches during the 2023-27 cycle, which includes 84 matches in 2025. On the other hand, franchises argue that an extended IPL will boost their revenue, providing more opportunities to sell matches. Star and Viacom18 have collectively pledged ₹48,390 crore for the IPL media rights.
