The schedule of Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has been announced. The Rich Cash League has been one of the most exciting franchise leagues in world cricket. IPL is scheduled to start on 28 March 2026 and its final will be held on 31 May 2026.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has delayed the match by two days from what was originally scheduled. Earlier, BCCI had informed the franchises that the toughest T20 league will start from March 26. But as per ESPNcricinfo report, it has been delayed; However, nothing has been finalized yet.
IPL will be delayed due to elections
The IPL Governing Council will meet next week to decide the release fixtures, which has been postponed due to unannounced assembly election dates in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu.
The three franchises, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), play their home matches in Kolkata (West Bengal) and Chennai (Tamil Nadu), with Guwahati (Assam) being the second venue for Rajasthan Royals (RR) due to election dates.
Will IPL be held outside India?
Since the inception of the tournament in 2008, when general elections have been held in the country, or assembly elections have been held in a state, in 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024, the schedule has been announced in two parts. Only four times has the IPL been played outside India; For the first time this tournament was held outside India in 2009.
In 2009, the tournament was played entirely in South Africa. Then, in 2014, the first part of the tournament was played in the UAE. The tournament was then divided into two parts in 2019 and 2024. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the second half of the 2021 season.
In 2009, the tournament was played entirely in South Africa. Then, in 2014, the first part of the tournament was played in the UAE. During the COVID-19 pandemic in half of 2020 and 2021.
The elections will decide whether the same strategy is adopted this time too or India’s apex cricket body will wait for the Election Commission of India to release the election dates for the first three states. The IPL Governing Council may also discuss where the opening match of the tournament will be held.
RCB will play the first match
The defending champion Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has to play the first match, but the opponent for the match has not been decided. IPL has always been an exciting tournament as it helps in developing the young cricketers of India.
Over the years, many young cricketers have made a name for themselves from the tournament, and from there they have also played for the Indian national cricket team for long and short periods in the future.
As the tournament’s motto says, “Yatra Pratibha Avsar Prapanotihi”, which translates to “Where talent meets opportunity”. This reflects the main objective of the league to provide a platform to young talents to showcase their skills on the global stage.
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