Published on: Nov 11, 2026 4:04 pm IST|Updated on: Nov 11, 2026 4:04 pm IST
The Indian Premier League could be heading towards yet another expansion from the next season, i.e., IPL 2028. Reports suggest the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is exploring plans to expand the current team structure from the next edition of the Tata IPL from 10 to 12.
The proposed addition coincides with the commencement of the tournament’s next media rights cycle (2028–2032), reflecting the enormous commercial foothold of the Tata IPL. Pune and Vadodara are emerging as the early frontrunners for the potential new franchise location.
The current 10-team tournament came into existence in 2022 when Gujarat Titans and the Lucknow Super Giants made an entry into the 8-team competition. The inclusion of two new teams came courtesy of growing international investor demand back then, and something similar has prompted the board to evaluate expanding the league’s footprint in the next edition, i.e., IPL 2028.
Detailing the preliminary discussions taking place behind closed doors, a report highlighted:
“The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which runs the league, has begun preliminary talks with private equity teams from the 2028 media rights cycle, with Vadodara and Pune among the cities in the fray, according to two people familiar with the plans, who asked not to be identified as the discussions are confidential.”
With recent secondary market transactions pushing team valuations upward, industry projections estimate that each new franchise could command price tags exceeding $1 billion (approx. ₹8,800 crore). Global private equity funds, Middle Eastern sovereign wealth entities, and prominent domestic business conglomerates are already closely monitoring the bidding framework.
The preference for Pune and Vadodara stems from a mix of proven cricketing infrastructure and geographic synergy. Pune carries a rich IPL legacy, having previously hosted two separate franchises—Pune Warriors India (2011–2013) and Rising Pune Supergiant (2016–2017). With a modern stadium at Gahunje and a passionate local fan base, the city offers an obvious solution for incoming owners.
Meanwhile, Vadodara’s emergence aligns with Gujarat’s rapid development as an international sporting hub. Located approximately 110 km from Ahmedabad, Vadodara has a standalone international cricket stadium, the BCA Stadium, located on Halol Road in Kotambi, roughly 15 km outside central Vadodara.
The addition of two new franchises promises a lucrative boost in the tournament’s commercial ecosystem; however, it presents scheduling and logistical challenges. Moving to a 12-team tournament will expand the overall match window, requiring careful alignment with the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) to guarantee international player availability.
Moreover, the BCCI will need to evaluate broadcasters’ appetite for an extended tournament window before giving the green light to the expansion tender. The broadcasters need to agree on the extended window and telecast all the games throughout the season. If approved, the expansion plans ahead of the commencement of IPL 2028 could well be on course, and we may see two more teams added to the perennial T20 franchise tournament in the world, with more action and drama.