IPL 2026 Scheduled: Tournament to Begin March 28, Final on May 31
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season will now commence on March 28, two days later than originally planned, with the final scheduled for May 31, according to media sources.
While franchises were informed in December 2025 that the 19th edition would start on March 26, the IPL has internally revised the dates. The delay in announcing the full schedule stems from assembly elections in three key states, Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu whose dates are yet to be declared by the Election Commission of India.
The IPL Governing Council is expected to meet this week to finalize the schedule release strategy. Historically, during general or state elections, the IPL has released schedules in two parts, a precedent set in 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024.
A major point of discussion remains the venue for the opening match, which will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) . The franchise is still in talks with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) regarding the status of their seven home matches following last June’s tragic stampede at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB has shortlisted Navi Mumbai, Raipur, and Pune as potential alternate venues if required.
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