![Juhi Chawla proposes a new window for IPL [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794294653769_KKRJuhiChawla.jpg?type=hq)
Juhi Chawla proposes a new window for IPL [Source: X]
KKR co-owner and Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla backed ex-IPL chairman Lalit Modi’s proposal for a new IPL window. She argued that players should play in better conditions and avoid extreme heat conditions that persist in the months of April and May.
In a long social media post, Lalit Modi urged the BCCI to reconsider the IPL schedule and start the tournament in January instead of April-May. This way, the players can evade extreme summer heat and attending live matches would be a more comfortable experience for spectators.
Juhi Chawla sides with Lalit Modi over IPL schedule
Backing this proposal, KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla said that IPL has become such a big global cricket tournament that it should have greater influence over the international cricket calendar rather than always adjusting to it.
She questioned why the world's biggest cricket league should continue playing during India's harshest summer months. Chawla also added that IPL has grown so much that its schedule should evolve too.
"The IPL no longer needs to find its place in the cricket calendar. It has earned the right to influence it. So why keep playing the biggest cricket tournament on the planet in the harshest heat? And if the calendar is being reconsidered, why not January instead of April-May? Better conditions. Better cricket. A better experience for everyone overall! The IPL has evolved. Perhaps its calendar should too now!" Chawla said.
However, a schedule change is easier said than done. A lot of logistical challenges stand in the BCCI’s way, and hence, an immediate resolution is unlikely to be found in the near future.
Will BCCI shift the IPL window to January?
Apparently, the BCCI has discussed starting the IPL earlier. But the reported discussion is about moving the tournament's start date slightly forward, not shifting it all the way to January.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had indicated that the board was considering an earlier start to avoid weather-related problems like extreme heat and pre-monsoon rainfall. However, the IPL 2027 season is expected to start in March only.
The January window proposal, though convenient, is unlikely to be considered next year. However, an early start could still solve a few problems faced by the players, spectators and organisers at large.
