Lalit Modi urges IPL to move away from April-May heat, proposes January start
Former IPL chairman Lalit Modi has proposed moving the tournament out of its traditional March-May slot, citing commercial growth and playing conditions.
Former Indian Premier League chairman Lalit Modi has called for a major rethink of the tournament's schedule, suggesting it move away from its March-May window. In a social media post on November 9, the 62-year-old put forward two options: a January start, or a structured October-April calendar.
Modi argued that the IPL, which he helped launch in 2008, is now a commercial brand strong enough not to need a dedicated window in the international calendar. He said the BCCI owns and runs the domestic tournament and could decide when to stage it, while acknowledging that international commitments and overseas players would need to be considered.
Modi also pointed to the punishing heat of the April-May period, saying an earlier schedule could improve conditions for players and spectators and create more valuable broadcast opportunities. He recalled that film and television release schedules were reshaped when the IPL launched, and said the entertainment industry had adjusted to the league.