New Delhi: Punjab Kings co-owner Ness Wadia has endorsed Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner Juhi Chawla's idea of starting the IPL in January provided there is scope for a change of schedule.

Chawla wants the IPL to kick off in January instead of the usual March end start. In a conversation with PTI, Wadia said he is all for a change in the IPL window as long as the international and domestic calendar allows it.

"It's a good opportunity as long as the window permits. It does get a bit hot also (March-May). And then rain comes in sometimes. But it all depends on the window. And IPL is the leader. So why not lead into that as long as the window can allow.

"And maybe that way we can also have an extended season. But there are a lot of other things which have to be looked at. You know, there's the SMAT (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy), the Ranji trophy, the other trophies as well, domestic cricket per se. We have to take the international calendar (home season for Australia and South Africa) into account also.

"But it's a good idea to look at it in a different window. We've talked about it for many years. And if it happens, great. You know, if not, we continue like this. But there should be an extended window also as far as possible. We would love IPL to happen for a longer period," he said.

The number of games are expected to go up to 94 from the existing 74 in the media rights cycle starting 2028.

10 teams good for the moment

===================

Wadia is not in favour of increasing the number of teams in the near future. The last time that new teams were added was ahead of the 2022 season when Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans became part of the world's biggest T20 league.

"I think 10 for the moment is good, frankly," said Wadia.

Growth of IPL still in its nascent stage

=======================

The BCCI mopped up roughly Rs 48,000 crore for the 2023-2027 media rights cycle and the number is likely to go up for the next cycle starting 2028.

IPL has become a behemoth in the cricketing world but Wadia said the growth potential remains enormous.

"BCCI will unlock the best value for media rights, frankly speaking. They are the experts. As I've said before, it's only 18 years old in terms of age.

"So, it's still in evolution, especially when you compare it to other successful leagues across the world. I know everyone says it's 18 years, but I think we've got a fair bit to go and we'll grow a lot."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Mathrubhumi and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Published: 12 Nov 2026, 02:47 pm IST