IPL 2026 First-Phase Schedule Likely on March 12, BCCI Confirms Staggered Release

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule is expected to be released on March 12 or 13, with the tournament set to begin on March 28 and conclude on May 31.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told media on Tuesday evening that the schedule will be released in two phases due to upcoming Assembly elections in four states, Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala. “We are hoping to release the IPL 2026 schedule in a day or two. It will be a staggered two-phase schedule and we will release the first phase, covering the first 20 days, on March 12 or 13,” Saikia confirmed.

The second phase will be announced once the Election Commission of India declares the poll dates for these states. The IPL Governing Council had already approved this staggered approach earlier this month.

Saikia revealed that the league will feature one new venue, Raipur alongside the regular centres. “We are waiting for confirmations from a few centres and once they come, we will announce the dates for the first phase,” he added.

Addressing concerns about global fuel shortages due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, Saikia clarified that the BCCI is currently not influenced by any factor other than the impending elections. He reiterated that the tournament will not extend beyond May 31.

                                               

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