Cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the next season of the Indian Premier League. The 10-team tournament will now begin on March 28. It was earlier scheduled to start on March 26.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India had informed franchises on December 15, 2025, that the season would begin on March 26. This information was shared a day before the last auction. However, as per ESPNcricinfo, the league has internally decided to push the start date by two days. The final will now be played on May 31.
The IPL Governing Council is expected to meet next week. The meeting will finalise the plan to release the fixtures. The schedule announcement has been delayed because the dates for assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have not yet been declared.
Kolkata and Chennai are key venues. Kolkata is the home base of Kolkata Knight Riders. Chennai is the home ground of Chennai Super Kings. Guwahati, the capital of Assam, is the second home venue for Rajasthan Royals.
In past years, when India had general or state elections, the IPL schedule was announced in two phases. This happened in 2009, 2014, 2019 and 2024. The Governing Council will now decide whether to follow the same pattern or wait for the election dates.
Venue Decision For IPL 2026 Opening Match
The Council will also discuss the venue for the opening match. It will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
After the stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium last June, safety remains a concern. Talks are ongoing with the Karnataka State Cricket Association. Alternate venues like Navi Mumbai, Raipur and Pune are being considered.
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