Chandigarh, Feb 27: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has adjusted the start date for the 2026 Indian Premier League, with the tournament now expected to begin on March 28. While the initial plans aimed for a March 26 kickoff, sources close to the development confirmed on Friday that the 19th edition will instead start two days later, concluding as planned on May 31.
The delay in the official schedule announcement is linked to the upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. These polls directly impact the home venues for the Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals. A source stated that there has been a change in plans and the season is now most likely to begin on March 28, though the final date remains firm.
The governing council is considering releasing the schedule in two separate phases, a strategy previously employed during election years in 2009, 2014, 2019, and 2024. This approach allows the board to coordinate with the Election Commission to ensure security and logistical feasibility at major venues like Eden Gardens and MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are slated to participate in the season opener. However, the venue for this match remains unconfirmed. While the Karnataka government has granted permission for matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the franchise has not yet made a final decision. The stadium has not hosted a fixture since a tragic stampede occurred during last year’s victory celebrations.
