IPL 2026 Schedule: While the preparations have started from some of the franchises, the IPL 2026 is expected to be delayed by at least two days as to what the BCCI had originally planned. The IPL had informed the franchises on December 15 2025, a day before the last auction, that the 2026 edition would start on March 26.
As per a report in ESPNCricinfo, the IPL 2026 will likely start on March 28, but March 29 also seems under consideration as the official announcement is expected within the coming week. The final of the tournament is expected to be played on May 31. The report added that the IPL Governing Council will meet next week to finalise the plan for releasing the schedule.
The complete IPL 2026 schedule announcement is believed to be delayed because the dates for assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have not been announced yet. While Kolkata (in West Bengal) and Chennai (in Tamil Nadu) are the home bases for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), respectively, Assam's capital, Guwahati, is the second venue for Rajasthan Royals (RR). Since the IPL began in 2008, when the country has had its general elections - in 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024 - or a state has had its assembly elections, the schedule has been announced in two parts.
Amid the uncertainty and franchises seeking clarity, the BCCI could release a partial schedule first, followed by the full list of fixtures once the election dates are announced. The report went on to claim that there are still doubts over where the first match of the IPL 2026 season will take place. Usually, the defending champion hosts it, but this year, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s home venue, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, has become the centre of a big dispute between the franchise, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), and the state government.
Further details are expected to be confirmed after an IPL Governing Council meeting next week.
On the other hand, the BCCI is going to hold a meeting with key stakeholders, including broadcasters and representatives of all 10 franchises, to discuss pre-season promotional plans. The meeting focused on coordinating efforts to increase fan engagementin leadup to the tournament.