Indian Premier League (IPL) founder Lalit Modi has welcomed the BCCI’s clarification that expansion of the tournament from 10 to 12 teams is not under immediate consideration, saying the statement has ended speculation over the proposal.

However, Modi stressed that the IPL calendar needs to be revised to accommodate the mandatory 94-match format and avoid the extreme heat during the final weeks of May.

His comments came after BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the proposal to expand the league to 12 teams by 2028 had not been discussed, either formally or informally, within the Board.

Taking to X, Modi said, “I am glad this official comment for now ends speculation of 12 teams. Also, I showed you all what it will take to get the games scheduled to the 94 games going forward, which is mandatory.”

He also called for the tournament to begin earlier, arguing that the schedule must be adjusted even if the BCCI does not adopt his previously proposed format.

“Even if BCCI cannot adopt the earlier schedule and one has to live with may end finish the schedule will nevertheless has to move to second week match. Moving it up 3 weeks into the third week of February will definitely be the first step to avoiding the last three weeks of May, which is the worst heat. You cannot escape climate change; I am sorry. We have to adapt and not continue to ignore reality at the cost of other cricket,” he added.

Saikia had said recently that the Board’s immediate priority was the 2027 edition, which will mark the IPL’s 20th season. He also clarified that no decision had been taken to increase the team purse from Rs 125 crore to Rs 150 crore ahead of the 2027 mega auction.

The auction scheduled for December 16 has been announced as the last auction of the current cycle.