The Indian Premier League is gearing up for another blockbuster season, but fans may have to wait a little longer for the fine print. The Indian Premier League 2026 season is expected to kick off on March 26 and run until May 31, though the official match schedule is still pending due to upcoming assembly elections in several states.
Why the IPL 2026 Schedule Is Delayed
According to officials familiar with the process, the delay is linked to the election calendar. The Election Commission of India is yet to announce polling dates for assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry—regions that are set to host IPL matches.
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During a recent IPL Governing Council meeting, it was decided that fixtures would be finalised only after election dates are confirmed, ensuring smooth coordination of security and logistics across venues.
18 Venues Proposed Across India
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has proposed 18 venues for IPL 2026, spread across different parts of the country. The cities under consideration include Delhi, Lucknow, Dharamsala, New Chandigarh, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Navi Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Pune, Ranchi and Raipur.
Several of these venues fall in election-bound states, which is why the governing body is treading carefully before locking the final calendar.
Bengaluru and Jaipur Face Uncertainty
While most venues are expected to go ahead as planned, uncertainty remains over Bengaluru and Jaipur. The IPL Governing Council has asked Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals to confirm by January 27 whether their home matches can be staged at their respective venues.
RCB, the defending champions, are reportedly exploring backup options due to ongoing concerns around the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which has not hosted cricket events since a deadly stampede incident last year.
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Alternative Venues for RCB on the Table
In case Bengaluru is ruled out, DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai and Raipur have emerged as strong alternatives for RCB’s home fixtures. A final call is expected once the franchise submits its assessment to the IPL authorities.
What Happens Next
With multiple moving parts—from election schedules to venue readiness—the IPL 2026 fixtures are expected to be announced only after the Election Commission releases official polling dates. Until then, March 26 remains the tentative start date, keeping fans hopeful but waiting.
