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IPL 2026 Schedule Shifted to March 28 Start, Final on May 31

The Indian Premier League 2026 season has been rescheduled to run from March 28 to May 31, a two-day delay from the original plan. The schedule finalization is pending a Governing Council meeting and is complicated by unannounced assembly election dates in several states. A key discussion point is the venue for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru's home games, following last year's tragic stampede. Alternate venues like Navi Mumbai, Raipur, and Pune are being considered for RCB's matches.

Key Points: IPL 2026 Dates Announced: March 28 to May 31

  • Start date moved to March 28
  • Finale scheduled for May 31
  • Delay due to assembly elections
  • Venue uncertainty for RCB home games
2 min read

IPL 2026 season to be played from March 28 to May 31

IPL 2026 season rescheduled from March 28 to May 31 due to election dates. Details on venue discussions for RCB and the full schedule.

"the IPL has changed the start date to March 28, with the grand finale to be played on May 31 - ESPNcricinfo"

New Delhi, February 27

The Indian Premier League 2026 season will start on March 28, two days after what the Board of Control for Cricket in India had originally planned, according to ESPNcricinfo.

In December 2025, the IPL had informed all the franchises that the 2026 edition would start on March 26, but according tothe ESPNcricinfo reports, the IPL has changed the start date to March 28, with the grand finale to be played on May 31.

The report further added that the Governing Council of IPL will meet next week to finalise the schedule for the 2026 season, which is being delayed due to dates for assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu have not been announced yet.

Kolkata (in West Bengal) and Chennai (in Tamil Nadu) are the home grounds for the three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and five-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) respectively, Assam's capital Guwahati is the second venue for inaugural champion Rajasthan Royals (RR).

According to ESPNcricinfo, the IPL Governing Council is also expected to discuss where the tournament opener will be played, as it will feature defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

Following the stampede during RCB's victory celebrations at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru last June, which caused 11 deaths, the Bengaluru-based franchise is involved in discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) on whether RCB's seven home games could be played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium or if it will be moved somewhere else.

According to the report, RCB had shortlisted a few alternate venues, including Navi Mumbai, Raipur and Pune.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
As a CSK fan from Chennai, I'm a bit worried. If the elections cause issues, will our home matches be moved? The Chepauk atmosphere is unbeatable. IPL should work closely with the election commission to avoid last-minute chaos.
A
Aman W
Moving RCB's home games would be a huge disappointment for Bengaluru fans. The Chinnaswamy is iconic. Instead of moving, the authorities should ensure better crowd management and safety protocols. Learn from the past, don't run from it.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see Guwahati mentioned as a second home for RR. It's great for promoting cricket in the Northeast! Hope the fans there get to see some good matches. The IPL schedule is always a juggling act with elections.
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Vikram M
The two-day delay is a minor issue. The bigger concern is the potential venue shifts. Navi Mumbai, Raipur, Pune... all are good stadiums, but nothing beats a team's true home ground and its loyal fans. Hope sense prevails.
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Karthik V
With all due respect to the BCCI and IPL GC, this last-minute uncertainty is becoming a yearly tradition. They know election schedules are fixed well in advance. Better planning is needed for the world's premier T20 league. Just my two paise.
D

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