Indian Premier League (IPL)'s expansion from 10 to 12 teams in 2028 has generated a lot of excitement among cricket fans. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has now clarified that no such expansion plan is currently under consideration.
BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has dismissed reports that suggest two new franchises could join the competition from the 2028 season. He clarified that the board is focusing on the upcoming IPL 2027, which will be the 20th edition of the tournament.
This clarification comes after reports suggested that the BCCI was considering the possibility of adding the two teams, with Pune and Vadodara emerging as possible destinations.
Devjit Saikia rules out possibility of 12-team IPL in 2028
Speaking to news agency PTI, Saikia said that the BCCI has neither formally nor informally discussed the expansion of the league.
“We have neither formally nor informally discussed the possibility of a 12-team IPL in 2028. It is not within our scope at this stage,” Saikia told PTI.
He further stressed that the immediate priority of the board is to make the 20th edition of the IPL a major event.
“We are worried about the 2027 IPL, which is going to be the 20th edition of the IPL. So it will be a big event. We are focused on that and not considering anything beyond that,” He added.
Saikia also took a clear stand on the ongoing reports about the proposed expansion.
“Whatever news is going on in the media, I think all these are speculations coming from some fertile minds. I don't want to comment about them. There is no sanctity in those reports,” He clarified.
Why were Pune and Vadodara included in IPL expansion?
Speculation of expansion intensified after reports said that BCCI was considering adding two franchises from the 2028 season.
Pune and Vadodara were reportedly discussed as possible sites for new teams. Both cities have experience in hosting major cricket events, while Pune has previously represented in the IPL.
Pune Warriors India competed between 2011 and 2013, while Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) competed in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The latter also reached the 2017 final, where it lost. Mumbai Indians (MI) Had to face defeat by only one run against.
Vadodara, meanwhile, has been in the news as a potential cricketing destination amid Gujarat's growing sports infrastructure.
Reports also suggested that as potential investors were evaluating the opportunity, the new franchise could potentially demand a valuation of more than $1 billion. However, Saikia's comments make it clear that these reports should not be taken as confirmation of expansion plans.
BCCI focused on IPL 2027 and mini-auction
The 2027 edition will be especially significant as it marks 20 years since the inception of the IPL in 2008. BCCI has already expressed its intention to celebrate this milestone on a grand scale.
The mini-auction for IPL 2027 is scheduled for December 16, 2026. Saikia also clarified that the upcoming auction will not be a mega auction and the board has not taken a decision to increase the player salary amount from ₹125 crore to ₹150 crore.
“There is nothing like that regarding increase in salary amount. The mega auction will happen next year. This time it will not be a mega auction. Our auction is going to be held on December 16, which will be the last year of the cycle. After this, we will take a decision,” He said.