The announcement comes as the league continues to grow in popularity and commercial value, with recent franchise sales highlighting the tournament's rising financial stakes.

Currently, the IPL features 10 teams playing a total of 74 matches per season. Under the existing format, each franchise faces five opponents twice and four teams once, followed by four playoff matches including the final. If the expansion proceeds, every team would play each other twice, resulting in 18 games per team and 94 matches in total, effectively increasing both the tournament's length and intensity.

Dhumal explained that the move is part of a broader trend in global cricket. "If you look at the transition over the last few years, there is definitely less interest in some bilateral games. That is why countries are coming up with their own leagues: the England and Wales Cricket Board's The Hundred, Australia's Big Bash League, the UAE's International League T20, South Africa's SA20 and the Caribbean Premier League," he told the Financial Times.

He further added that expanding the IPL could align with international schedules: "If this trend continues, every country will want fewer bilaterals, or bilaterals that make more financial sense for them, and then there is scope to enlarge the IPL window. We are hoping for more discussions with all the countries and colleagues. If that works out, it should work out for everyone."

The IPL has become one of the most-watched cricket tournaments worldwide, with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians leading with five titles each. Kolkata Knight Riders follow with three championships in the 18 completed editions. The 19th season is currently underway, showcasing the league's continued popularity and global reach.

If implemented, the expansion would mark a significant change in the IPL format, allowing fans to witness more head-to-head clashes between top franchises and providing players with increased opportunities to perform on cricket's premier T20 stage.