Sport
IPL 2025: League boss says tournament could grow to 94-match format in 2028
IPL expanded to its current 74-match format in 2022 following the sale of the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchises.
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal said this week that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively considering expanding the Indian Premier League (IPL) season to a whopping 94-match format for the next media-rights cycle, which will start in 2028.
However, the board has no plans to introduce new franchises.
IPL expanded to its current 74-match format in 2022 following the sale of the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchises.
There had however been plans to grow the format to 84 matches for this year’s season but this did not materialize due to time constraints and broadcasters’ aversion to too many double-headers.
However, Dhumal told ESPNcricinfo in a recent interview that an expansion from 2028 is possible.
“Definitely, that might be an opportunity,” Dhumal said. “We’ve been discussing in ICC, we’ve been discussing in-house in BCCI.
“Given how the interest of the fan is changing with regard to bilateral and ICC events, in regard to franchise cricket and T20 cricket, we’ll have to talk more seriously about it and see how we can create maximum value for the stakeholders of the game.
“Ideally, we’d want a larger window, or to maybe go on from 74 to 84 or 94 at some point… So that every team gets to play against every team home and away, for that, you need 94 games.
“Given the window and the kind of commitments that we have with regards to bilateral cricket and ICC events, that may not be possible in the short term. But given the landscape, how it is changing and evolving over the years, maybe at some point in time we would look and take that option,” he said.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the duration of the IPL’s window will form part of the discussions next year when boards thrash out the details of the next future tours programme (FTP).
Officials at multiple franchises have told ESPNcricinfo that they would prefer a 94-match season, but an increase would likely depend on broadcaster interest.
TV and streaming numbers typically drop midway through the IPL season, which broadcasters privately attribute to viewer fatigue. The 2025 edition will stretch to nine weeks, with 12 double-headers scheduled, and an increase to a full home-and-away season would likely require two more weeks in the international calendar.
Dhumal described the IPL 2025 season as a success, hailing the “competitive spirit” among teams and the emergence of several young Indian players. He also believes that it would be good for the IPL to have a first-time champion this season, with Delhi Capitals (DC), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings(PBKS) and LSG all in the mix for the playoffs at this stage.
“Every year, it’s been growing,” Dhumal said. “We are very glad how the fans have loved this tournament, and the broadcast numbers and in-stadia numbers are all phenomenal. We are hoping to carry on with this being a special edition, the 18th edition. We are very sure that it’ll continue to grow in the way we’ve seen over the last 17 years.”
Sport
Afghanistan Champions League second half to kick off on October 16
The remaining fixtures will determine the final standings, with consistency and the ability to collect points proving decisive in the title race.
The second half of the Afghanistan Champions League Season 6 will get underway on October 16, following the conclusion of the first half last week, with matches continuing to be played in Kabul.
The Afghanistan Football Federation has confirmed the schedule, with the second phase of the competition set to run until November 16, when the season’s champion will be determined.
With the decisive stage of the tournament approaching, the 10 participating clubs are expected to step up their efforts as the battle for the title intensifies. Every point will be crucial, with the team finishing at the top of the standings lifting the Afghanistan Champions League trophy next month.
The first half of Season 6 delivered a series of competitive encounters as teams battled for position in the league table. Sorkh Poshan Khafi emerged as one of the standout sides, while defending champions Abu Muslim Farah, Omar Zawak and other contenders remain in the race.
The remaining fixtures will determine the final standings, with consistency and the ability to collect points proving decisive in the title race.
ACL Season 6 Standings
After nine matches, Sorkh Poshan lead the table with a perfect record of nine wins from nine games, collecting 27 points. Abu Muslim and Omar Zawak are tied on 19 points, while the race for the remaining positions continues ahead of the second half of the competition.
Ariana Radio and Television Network (ATN) will continue its coverage of the Afghanistan Champions League, bringing matches and news to fans through its television, radio and digital platforms.
Fans are encouraged to follow ATN’s social media pages for the latest fixtures, results, standings and updates as the competition heads towards its season finale next month.
Sport
Afghanistan trail Bangladesh by 135 runs at stumps on Day Two
Afghanistan reached 211 for 4 in their first innings at the close of the second day of their Test match against Bangladesh at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday.
Bangladesh were bowled out for 346 in 92.3 overs in their first innings, extending their overnight total of 317 for 8. Afghanistan ended the day 135 runs behind Bangladesh, with six wickets remaining.
Tanzid Hasan top-scored for Bangladesh with 83 runs, while Shadman Islam contributed 67, helping their side establish a competitive first-innings total.
Afghanistan’s bowlers fought back to dismiss Bangladesh’s remaining batters, with Mohammad Saleem taking four wickets for 82 runs and Yamin Ahmadzai claiming three wickets for 79 runs.
Abdul Malik and Rahmat Shah played an important role in Afghanistan’s response, helping the team build its innings after the loss of four wickets. Afghanistan will look to continue the recovery on the third day and reduce Bangladesh’s lead, while Bangladesh will aim to take early wickets and gain a stronger advantage.
The third day will be crucial for both sides, as Afghanistan seek to close the gap and Bangladesh attempt to take control of the one-off Test.
For cricket fans across Afghanistan, Ariana Television Network (ATN) is broadcasting this Test match, along with the other series live and exclusively.
Sport
Bangladesh reach 317/8 on Day One against Afghanistan in Test match
For cricket fans across Afghanistan, Ariana Television Network (ATN) is broadcasting this Test match, along with the other series listed in the schedule below, live and exclusively.
Bangladesh finished the opening day of their Test match against Afghanistan at 317 for 8 after 84 overs at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Friday.
Tanzid Hasan top-scored for Bangladesh with 83 runs, while Shadman Islam contributed 67, helping the team establish a solid foundation in their first innings.
Afghanistan’s bowlers fought back to take eight wickets before the close of play, preventing Bangladesh from building an even bigger total. Mohammad Saleem led Afghanistan’s bowling attack with figures of 3 for 70, while Ismat Alam claimed 2 for 20.
Bangladesh will resume their first innings on the second day with two wickets remaining, looking to add valuable runs to the total. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will aim to dismiss the remaining batters early and begin their reply.
The second day will be important for both sides as Bangladesh seek to strengthen their position with the bat, while Afghanistan look to carry their bowling momentum into their first innings.
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