IPL 2026 Schedule Delayed Due to Assembly Elections; Tournament to Begin on March 28

The announcement of the IPL 2026 schedule has been delayed owing to the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, even as the tournament’s start date has been internally revised.

The Indian Premier League will now begin on March 28, two days later than originally planned by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Franchises were informed on December 15, 2025 — a day before the last auction — that the 2026 season would commence on March 26. However, it is understood that the league has decided to push the start to March 28, with the final scheduled for May 31.

The IPL Governing Council is expected to meet next week to finalise the roadmap for releasing the full schedule. The delay stems from the pending announcement of election dates by the Election Commission of India for the three poll-bound states.

The election timeline is significant for the league as Kolkata and Chennai — home bases of Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings respectively — could be directly impacted. Additionally, Guwahati, the capital of Assam, serves as the second venue for the Rajasthan Royals.

Since the IPL’s inception in 2008, the tournament schedule has often been released in phases during election years. In previous general election years — 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024 — the league announced fixtures in two parts to accommodate security and logistical challenges. The Governing Council is now expected to decide whether to adopt a similar approach for the 2026 edition or wait until the poll dates are formally declared.

The Council will also deliberate on the venue for the opening match, which will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Uncertainty surrounds their home ground, M Chinnaswamy Stadium, following the tragic stampede during the team’s victory celebrations last June that claimed 11 lives.

In the aftermath of the incident, RCB has been in discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association regarding whether their seven home matches should remain in Bengaluru or be shifted elsewhere. The franchise has reportedly shortlisted alternate venues, including Navi Mumbai, Raipur and Pune, should relocation become necessary.

A final decision on the schedule and key venues is expected after the Governing Council meeting next week.