Chawla backs January option for IPL calendar

Juhi Chawla has backed a proposal to consider moving the Indian Premier League to January, arguing that the tournament’s traditional April-May schedule exposes players and spectators to difficult summer heat. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has not confirmed a January start and is discussing an earlier schedule, according to BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

Chawla, a co-owner of Kolkata Knight Riders, responded on X to a proposal from former IPL chairman Lalit Modi. She said the tournament should consider January instead of April-May and argued that the change could improve conditions and the experience for players and fans. Her comments support one of the scheduling options Modi put forward.

In a social media post on November 9, Modi proposed examining either a January start or a structured October-April calendar. He said the IPL should set its schedule while coordinating with international cricket commitments and the availability of overseas players. Modi also argued that the league’s commercial position gives it the ability to shape the wider cricket calendar.

Modi said a revised schedule could support sustainable commercial growth, improve playing conditions and...