The Indian Premier League Governing Council reportedly approved during an online meeting on Monday that the IPL 2026 schedule will be released in two phases. Notably, this decision was made due to the assembly elections in several states, and the first part of the program is expected to be out soon.
The IPL has also followed different schedules in previous seasons, especially during election years. The BCCI has often adjusted its plans in such situations to ensure that matches run smoothly and have proper security arrangements. Fans are eagerly waiting for the announcement of the first set of fixtures.
IPL 2026 schedule to be announced in two phases, Bengaluru likely to host the opener and final
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the schedule of IPL 2026 will be announced in two phases. The first part of the fixtures is expected to be released on 6 or 7 March. Reigning IPL champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are set to begin the 19th season of the tournament.
The opening match is likely to be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, but their opponent for the opening match of the season has not been finalized yet.
There is also a slight delay in the start of the tournament. Earlier, it was reported that IPL 2026 will start from March 26. However, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly pushed the start date back by a few days to March 28 or 29.
The overall timeline of the tournament remains largely the same. The IPL 2026 season is scheduled to conclude with the final on May 31 at the Bengaluru Stadium.
Finalization of IPL 2026 schedule delayed due to assembly elections
The IPL Governing Council is waiting for the Election Commission to announce the voting dates for the state assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu. Notably, the franchises have already been informed that the election schedule will play a key role in deciding the schedule of the tournament.
The delay is mainly due to security concerns. State governments may not be able to provide adequate security for IPL matches on polling days, forcing officials to wait before confirming the full schedule.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are among the franchises whose home matches may require adjustments. Meanwhile, Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati has been named as the second home venue for Rajasthan Royals.
The league has adopted a similar approach during election years in the past, including 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024 when general elections were approaching.
RCB confirms five home matches at Chinnaswamy Stadium for IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bangalore have confirmed that they will play five of their seven home matches during IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. There was uncertainty over the venue after the tragic stampede outside the stadium during RCB’s IPL victory parade.
While Chinnaswamy will host most of its games, RCB will play two of its home matches in Raipur. Despite earlier concerns, the Bengaluru venue is still expected to remain one of the major centers of action during the tournament.
BCCI has also informed the franchises that the practice guidelines for the season will be shared soon. Along with this, the board will also provide details related to the no objection certificate of foreign players.
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