IPL 2026 Schedule Update: Start Moved to March 28, Final Confirmed for May 31

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will now start on March 28, which is two days later than the original plan by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Earlier, franchises were informed on December 15, 2025, just before the auction, that the tournament would begin on March 26. However, according to ESPNcricinfo, the IPL has internally decided to shift the start date to March 28, while the final will be played on May 31. It is understood that the IPL Governing Council will meet next week to finalise the plan for releasing the schedule, which has been delayed because the dates for assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have not been announced yet.

IPL 2026 Final Set for May 31, Start Delayed

While Kolkata (in West Bengal) and Chennai (in Tamil Nadu) are the home bases for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) respectively, Assam's capital Guwahati is the second venue for Rajasthan Royals (RR).

Since 2008, whenever there were general or state elections in India, the IPL schedule was announced in two parts. The GC is expected to decide whether to have the same plan this time too, or wait for the Election Commission of India to announce the poll dates for the three states first. The IPL Governing Council is also expected to discuss where the opening match of the tournament will be played, as it will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Following the stampede during RCB's victory celebrations at Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium last June, which resulted in the death of 11 fans, RCB has been involved in discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association on whether the team's seven home matches would be played at the venue or be moved somewhere else. RCB had shortlisted a few alternate venues, including Navi Mumbai, Raipur and Pune.

×

SA VS ZIM 51st T20I World Cup 2026: Where to Watch South Africa vs Zimbabwe, H2H, Playing 11 & Full Match Details The 51st T20I match of the super 8 T20I World Cup 2026 will play between South Africa will face the Zimbabwe on Sunday, 29th February, at 3:00 PM.

by Dwijesh February 27, 2026