The 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 28, with the final scheduled for May 31. The tournament was initially expected to start on March 26, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly revised the opening date.
The delay in announcing the full schedule is primarily due to the pending declaration of election dates in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. These states host key IPL venues such as Eden Gardens, M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), and the Guwahati stadium. With security arrangements dependent on the election calendar, the board is expected to release the schedule in two phases — a strategy previously adopted during election years like 2019 and 2024.
While the official fixtures are still awaited, reports suggest that defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could open their campaign in a high-profile clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Alternatively, they may face last season’s runners-up Punjab Kings in the tournament opener.
Earlier this month, the Karnataka government cleared the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to host matches. Discussions have reportedly taken place between RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) regarding the return of IPL games to the venue in 2026, although a final decision is yet to be confirmed.
The stadium was at the centre of controversy last year following a stampede outside the venue during celebrations of RCB’s IPL 2025 triumph. The incident tragically claimed 11 lives and left 33 others injured. An FIR was subsequently filed against RCB, event management company DNA Networks Private Limited, and the KSCA.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Karnataka government’s status report stated:
“The RCB Management, in association with its event management partner, DNA Networks Private Limited, and the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), unilaterally decided to hold the victory celebration without prior consultation with the police and without obtaining the necessary permissions or license for such celebration.”
