With the T20 World Cup final slated for March 8 and Assembly Elections still pending in multiple states, the BCCI is yet to release the match-by-match IPL 2026 fixtures. Sources indicate the schedule could drop in two parts.
As cricket fans across the country eagerly await the start of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to announce the full IPL 2026 schedule — and sources within the board indicate the announcement is unlikely before March 10, 2026.
The 2026 edition of the TATA IPL, featuring all 10 franchises in a record 84 matches, is confirmed to begin on March 26 and conclude on May 31. However, the detailed fixture list — covering match dates, venues, and timings — remains pending as the BCCI navigates a series of logistical challenges.
T20 World Cup Venue Handover
A primary reason behind the delay is the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. As many as five major IPL venues — Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad — are currently being used for the tournament. With the World Cup final scheduled for March 8, the BCCI needs adequate time for pitch restoration, branding changeover, and stadium preparation at these venues before IPL action can begin.
State Elections Adding to the Complexity
Beyond the World Cup, upcoming Assembly Elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam have further complicated the scheduling process. The BCCI is awaiting the announcement of official election and vote-counting dates from the Election Commission of India before finalising fixtures for teams based in those states. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are most likely to be affected, with KKR reportedly in talks with the Odisha Cricket Association to explore Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium as an alternate home venue.
Venue Uncertainty for RCB and Rajasthan Royals
Adding to the BCCI’s challenges, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home ground — the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium — is yet to receive final clearance. RCB is reportedly exploring alternatives including venues in Navi Mumbai and Raipur. Similarly, Rajasthan Royals face uncertainty at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, with the franchise in discussions to potentially host games at Pune’s MCA Stadium.
Schedule May Come in Two Parts
Given the scale of these complications, a BCCI official indicated that the board may opt to release the IPL 2026 schedule in two phases — first covering the early weeks of the tournament, followed by the remaining fixtures once election dates and venue clearances are confirmed.
“If the dates take too long to be announced, we may end up releasing the schedule in two parts. That is one option. We will take a call soon,” the official stated.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bengaluru — the defending champions — are expected to feature in the opening match of the season, subject to venue confirmation.
Cricket fans are advised to keep a close watch on the BCCI’s official website and iplt20.com for the schedule announcement, which is most likely to drop sometime between March 10 and March 20, 2026.
