IPL 2026 is tipped to start from March 28, and there is less than a month left for the prestigious franchise tournament to begin, but the schedule has not been revealed yet by the BCCI’s IPL Governing Committee. The BCCI Secretary finally made an official announcement on the delay.
Currently, T20 fever is already underway as India is competing in the ICC T20 World Cup and trying to become the first team to win consecutive titles in the premier T20 competition. Also, this is the first time that a team is defending the title on home soil.
After the end of the T20 World Cup, the T20 season will continue with the IPL taking place between March 28 and May 31. A total of 10 teams will take part in 84 games, including three knockout games and the final.
The real reason for the delay in releasing IPL 2026 schedule
IPL is knocking at the door, which means the schedule should have been released by now. Additionally, major tournaments attract fans from across the country and the world; Therefore, ticket sales should be live by now.
Since this is not the situation right now, a big question has arisen whether IPL will be postponed due to elections in some states. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia has finally highlighted the challenges faced by the BCCI due to which there has been a delay in releasing the schedule.
“Please wait for two to three days for the IPL schedule. We will release it as soon as possible. We know there is a delay because elections are going on in three or four states like Assam, Bengal and Tamil Nadu.”
“We are waiting for the announcement from the election authorities. We will have to take a decision in a day or two. After that, we will inform you how we are proceeding with the IPL,” Saikia said in an interview with TOI.
Likely to face RCB in the opening match of IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bangalore broke the years-old record of not winning the trophy despite playing many knockouts and finals. However, the Rajat Patidar-led team did so and won their first title by defeating Shreyas Iyer.
As per IPL rules, the two finalists from the previous edition usually clash in the opening match, as Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have clashed on several occasions in the IPL. Anyway, RCB is most likely to start IPL 2026 as the defending champions.
This time too, barring a few weak links, they will be one of the strongest XIs in the competition after not making many changes. However, if Josh Hazlewood is not fit for the IPL then his unavailability will be a big concern for them. Rajat Patidar is likely to lead the way this season too.
Rajasthan Royals and RCB have not yet finalized their home stadium.
Rajasthan Royals’ home ground, Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium and Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium are the two stadiums which are under investigation. The Sawai Mansingh Stadium was given an unsatisfactory rating by the BCCI, resulting in the Royals considering stadiums such as the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium to host their home games.
RCB, on the other hand, has lightly hinted that their home matches will be held at their home ground M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, the KSCA has not been able to meet all the rules that Chinnaswamy was asked to meet before being reinstated for high attendance games.
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