The much-anticipated IPL 2026 Schedule has officially been delayed, with cricket fans across India and around the world forced to wait a little longer for clarity on dates, venues, and match fixtures. While the Indian Premier League 2026 season is expected to begin in late March, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided not to release the full schedule until after the Election Commission of India announces polling dates for upcoming state assembly elections.
The decision was taken during a recent meeting of the IPL Governing Council, highlighting the complex coordination required between sporting authorities and national election processes. With several key cricketing states set to go to polls during April and May, the finalisation of the IPL 2026 calendar has become a logistical challenge.
Expected Start and End Dates for IPL 2026
According to internal discussions and reports, the IPL 2026 season is tentatively planned to start on March 26, 2026, with the final expected to be played on May 31, 2026. However, these dates remain provisional until the official IPL 2026 Schedule is announced.
Tentative IPL 2026 Timeline
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| IPL 2026 Opening Match | March 26, 2026 |
| League Stage End | Mid-May 2026 |
| Playoffs Begin | Late May 2026 |
| IPL 2026 Final | May 31, 2026 |
Despite these projections, the BCCI has made it clear that no fixture list will be released until election-related uncertainties are resolved.
Why the IPL 2026 Schedule Has Been Delayed
The primary reason behind the delay in announcing the IPL 2026 Schedule is the upcoming assembly elections scheduled to be held across multiple Indian states during April and May. The Election Commission has yet to declare official polling dates, which directly impacts venue availability and security arrangements for IPL matches.
States Going to Assembly Elections in 2026
| State / Union Territory | Election Period (Expected) |
|---|---|
| West Bengal | April–May 2026 |
| Tamil Nadu | April–May 2026 |
| Assam | April–May 2026 |
| Kerala | April–May 2026 |
| Puducherry (UT) | April–May 2026 |
During elections, a significant portion of security personnel is deployed for polling duties, making it difficult to manage large sporting events like the IPL. As a result, the BCCI has opted to wait for confirmation from the Election Commission before locking in venues and dates.
BCCI Shortlists 18 Potential Venues for IPL 2026
Despite the delay, preparations for the tournament are well underway behind the scenes. According to reports, the BCCI has shortlisted up to 18 venues across the country to host IPL 2026 matches. These venues span traditional IPL strongholds as well as emerging cricketing centres.
Proposed Venues for IPL 2026 Matches
| City | State |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Delhi |
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh |
| Dharamsala | Himachal Pradesh |
| New Chandigarh | Punjab |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu |
| Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| Navi Mumbai | Maharashtra |
| Pune | Maharashtra |
| Kolkata | West Bengal |
| Hyderabad | Telangana |
| Ahmedabad | Gujarat |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan |
| Bengaluru | Karnataka |
| Ranchi | Jharkhand |
| Raipur | Chhattisgarh |
| Guwahati | Assam |
| Visakhapatnam | Andhra Pradesh |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala |
These locations were selected keeping in mind infrastructure readiness, crowd capacity, broadcast logistics, and regional fan engagement. However, final approval for each venue will depend on election schedules and local administrative clearance.
Uncertainty Over Bengaluru as an IPL 2026 Venue
One of the biggest talking points surrounding the IPL 2026 Schedule is the uncertainty over Bengaluru hosting matches. The city is home to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), but concerns surrounding the M Chinnaswamy Stadium have raised serious questions.
The venue has not hosted any cricket events since a tragic stampede outside the stadium last year, which resulted in multiple fatalities. Investigations later pointed to severe crowd management lapses as a key cause of the incident.
RCB’s Contingency Plan for Home Matches
In light of the situation, RCB has been asked by the IPL Governing Council to confirm by January 27 whether Bengaluru will be ready to host IPL 2026 matches. As a backup, the franchise is exploring alternative venues.
| Possible Home Venues for RCB | Status |
|---|---|
| M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Under review |
| DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | Backup option |
| Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, Raipur | Backup option |
To address safety concerns, RCB has proposed installing 300–350 AI-enabled surveillance cameras around the stadium. The franchise has reportedly offered to bear the entire cost of these upgrades, submitting a formal proposal to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
Jaipur’s Status in Doubt Due to Internal Disputes
Another major uncertainty affecting the IPL 2026 Schedule revolves around Jaipur, the traditional home of Rajasthan Royals (RR). Unlike Bengaluru, where infrastructure is the concern, Jaipur’s issues stem from administrative instability.
Internal disputes within the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) have prevented it from assuring the BCCI about operational readiness. As a result, the IPL Governing Council has asked RR to confirm by January 27 whether Jaipur will be available as a home venue.
Rajasthan Royals Venue Scenario
| Venue | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur | Under doubt |
| Alternative Neutral Venues | Being explored |
If the RCA fails to resolve its issues in time, Rajasthan Royals may be forced to play their home matches at neutral venues, similar to past IPL seasons affected by logistical constraints.
Impact of the Delay on Teams and Fans
The delay in releasing the IPL 2026 Schedule has had a ripple effect across franchises, broadcasters, sponsors, and fans. Teams are unable to finalise travel plans, training camps, and ticketing strategies without confirmed fixtures.
For fans, particularly international audiences in the UK and US, the uncertainty complicates travel planning and broadcast scheduling. The IPL remains one of the most-watched cricket leagues globally, making schedule clarity crucial for overseas viewership.
Why the BCCI Is Taking a Cautious Approach
While delays can be frustrating, the BCCI’s decision reflects a cautious and pragmatic approach. Hosting a tournament as massive as the IPL during election season requires seamless coordination with local administrations, law enforcement agencies, and election authorities.
Releasing the IPL 2026 Schedule prematurely could lead to last-minute changes, venue shifts, or security concerns-issues the board is keen to avoid.
When Will the IPL 2026 Schedule Be Announced?
Although no official date has been provided, the schedule is expected to be announced shortly after the Election Commission declares polling dates. Once election timelines are clear, the BCCI is likely to finalise venues and release the complete match fixtures in one go.
Cricket fans can expect clarity within the next few weeks, assuming the election announcement follows its usual timeline.
Also read: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule, Groups, Venues and Tournament Format
Conclusion:
The delay in announcing the IPL 2026 Schedule underscores the scale and complexity of organising the world’s most popular T20 league. With elections, venue safety, and administrative challenges all in play, the BCCI is prioritising stability over speed.
While the wait continues, preparations remain in full swing behind the scenes. Once confirmed, IPL 2026 promises to deliver another thrilling season of high-octane cricket, packed stadiums, and global excitement-starting, as expected, in late March.