IPL 2026 Schedule To Be Released In Two-Phase Format Due To Elections

The IPL Governing Council cleared the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, with the season opener and final set to be held at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The Governing Council (GC) of the Indian Premier League has approved the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026, with the full announcement of initial fixtures expected by March 6 or 7. The council met virtually on Monday and decided to release the Season 19 schedule in two parts, with the opening set of matches likely to be made public later this week.

Season Opener Likely In Bengaluru

After Royal Challengers Bengaluru confirmed on Tuesday (March 3) that they will play five matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the venue is now tipped to host the season opener. As per long-standing tradition, the defending champions are expected to stage the first match of the tournament, and that pattern is set to continue in IPL 2026.

Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary Santosh Menon later confirmed that the Bengaluru venue will also stage a playoff fixture and the final of the tournament.

RCB’s opening opponent has not yet been finalised. However, as earlier reported by Cricbuzz on February 27, the start of the season may be pushed back slightly, with March 28 or 29 emerging as possible opening dates. The IPL 2026 final, as previously announced, is scheduled for May 31.

BCCI Communicates Key Operational Updates

In a recent communication to franchises, BCCI acting CEO and IPL COO Hemang Amin informed teams that guidelines for practice sessions would be circulated next week. He also stated that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas players would be shared collectively in the coming days.

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Franchises were told that the Occupation Standards Classification for Australia (OSCA) document would be received from Cricket Australia, while individual NOCs would come from Cricket South Africa. Both documents must be forwarded together to the BCCI in a single email once obtained.

Election Schedule Delays Full Fixture Release

Franchises were also informed that the complete fixture list has been delayed due to the pending announcement of State Assembly election dates in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu by the Election Commission.

Details regarding the pre-tournament captains’ meeting are expected to be shared next week. With limited time remaining before the likely start of the tournament and no clarity yet on the election schedule, the BCCI has opted to release the IPL 2026 fixtures in two phases, a strategy used in previous election years. The first phase of Season 19 is expected to cover the opening 13 to 14 days of the tournament.