The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is set to begin on March 28, 2026, as confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). However, the full match schedule for the tournament has not yet been officially released.
According to reports, the BCCI is expected to announce the IPL 2026 schedule in two phases due to the upcoming state assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
Partial Schedule Expected on March 9
The first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule is likely to be announced on March 9, covering approximately the first two weeks of the tournament.
Reports suggest that the official fixtures announcement could take place at 3:00 PM IST or 4:00 PM IST or 6:00 PM IST, based on tentative programming from the tournament’s host broadcaster, Star Sports. However, the exact timing has not yet been officially confirmed.
Venue Uncertainty Caused Delay
One of the reasons for the delay in releasing the schedule was uncertainty surrounding the home venue for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The franchise has now confirmed its venue arrangement:
- Five home matches will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
- The remaining two home fixtures will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
Opening Match and Final in Bengaluru
Reports further indicate that the IPL 2026 opening match, one playoff match, and the final will also be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
With the tournament set to begin on March 28, fans are now eagerly awaiting the official fixture announcement on March 9.
