Sports · Cricket · 42 mins ago
Juhi Chawla backs proposal for a January IPL start
KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla backed a January IPL start proposed by former league chief Lalit Modi.
The IPL is usually played during the spring, with its final weeks often falling in India's extreme summer heat.
Chawla said moving the tournament could give players and fans better conditions.
Modi has argued that the IPL can influence the cricket calendar rather than fit around it.
The BCCI is discussing an earlier start, but the discussion is about moving it earlier than late March, not a confirmed January change.
Officials have pointed to both heat and the risk of pre-monsoon rain near the end of the tournament.
No calendar change has been confirmed, and it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will make one.
Juhi Chawla has backed Lalit Modi’s proposal to start the IPL in January instead of its traditional April-May period.
The Kolkata Knight Riders co-owner said an earlier start could improve conditions for players and fans.
Modi has argued that the league no longer needs a dedicated window in the international cricket calendar.
The BCCI and IPL governing council are discussing whether to start the tournament a little earlier than late March.
A major shift to January has not been reported.
- Who
- KKR co-owner Juhi Chawla backed the proposal made by Lalit Modi.
- What
- They called for the IPL to start in January instead of its traditional April-May period.
- When
- Chawla’s comments were reported on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- The proposal concerns the IPL in India.
- Why
- Chawla and Modi cited extreme summer heat and the need for better conditions for players and fans.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lalit Modi suggested that the BCCI consider starting the IPL in January.
Juhi Chawla backed the proposal and questioned the tournament’s April-May schedule.
The BCCI and IPL governing council discussed whether to start the tournament earlier than late March.
- Proposed start
- January
- Traditional schedule questioned
- April-May
- Chawla’s team
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- BCCI discussion
- Starting the tournament earlier than late March
- Reported IPL season dates
- Around March 29 [28] to May 31
What people are saying
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!
On the other hand, there is hot weather which is not very conducive either for the players or for the crowds.