The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has internally decided that IPL 2026 will begin on March 28, two days later than the originally proposed March 26 start. The final is scheduled for May 31.
Franchises were informed in December, ahead of the auction, that the season would start on March 26. However, the official release of the full schedule has been delayed due to pending announcements of assembly election dates in Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
The uncertainty affects multiple franchises. Kolkata, home to Kolkata Knight Riders, falls in West Bengal, while Chennai, base of Chennai Super Kings, is in Tamil Nadu. Guwahati in Assam serves as a secondary home venue for Rajasthan Royals. The IPL Governing Council is expected to meet next week to determine whether to release the schedule in phases, as done during previous election years, or wait for confirmation from the Election Commission of India.
Another key decision revolves around the opening match, which will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Following last year’s tragic stampede during victory celebrations at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, discussions are ongoing about whether RCB’s seven home matches will remain in Bengaluru.
Alternative venues such as Navi Mumbai, Raipur and Pune have reportedly been shortlisted should a relocation be required.
With logistical challenges tied to elections and venue security, the IPL faces a tight timeline to finalise arrangements. Nevertheless, the tournament window — late March to end-May — remains intact for what promises to be another high-profile season of franchise cricket.