Big Reveal: IPL 2026 To Begin On March 28, Full Schedule Expected Soon
IPL 2026 Rule Change: BCCI Bans Certain On-Field Movements, Issues Strict Warning to Players
The Indian Premier League 2026 will start two days later than initially planned as authorities coordinate match schedules with upcoming state elections.
The wait for the next season of the Indian Premier League is almost over, with IPL 2026 scheduled to begin on March 28. The tournament was earlier expected to start on March 26, but the dates have now been pushed back by two days.
The change in schedule comes due to the upcoming assembly elections in several states, which has required adjustments in the tournament’s planning and logistics. Polls are expected in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry, prompting organisers to revise the start date of the cricket league.
Officials are still finalising the complete fixture list, and the full match schedule is expected to be announced in the coming days.
One of the main reasons for the delay in releasing the entire schedule is that the election dates in some key states have not yet been finalised. These include West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Assam, where IPL venues are located.
Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, the home ground of Kolkata Knight Riders, and Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, where Chennai Super Kings play their home matches, are among the venues located in states heading for elections. Guwahati, which serves as the second home venue for Rajasthan Royals, is also in Assam, another state scheduled for polls.
Organisers are therefore coordinating closely with local authorities to ensure security arrangements and logistics do not clash with election duties.
Meanwhile, excitement around the upcoming season remains high after Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title in 2025. In the final held in Ahmedabad, RCB defeated Punjab Kings by six runs to lift their first trophy in the history of the tournament.
There are also reports that the IPL 2026 final could be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, although an official confirmation is still awaited. According to early updates, RCB may play five home matches in Bengaluru, while two matches could be held in Raipur as part of the team’s home schedule.
With the start date now confirmed, cricket fans across the country are eagerly waiting for the complete schedule and fixtures, which are expected to be released soon.
