Like every year, IPL fans are waiting for the complete schedule this time too. However, till now only the schedule of initial matches has been released for IPL 2026. Now Rajeev Shukla has given big information on this and has told why the entire schedule has been stopped now.
IPL 2026 will start from March 28
BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla made it clear that the tournament will start as per schedule from March 28, 2026. However, at present the board has released the schedule of only 20 matches of the first phase, which will be played from March 28 to April 12. The first match of the season will be played between defending champions RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. After this, there will be a high-voltage match between Mumbai Indians and KKR on the second day.
The entire schedule stopped due to elections
This time assembly elections are going to be held in many states. Until the Election Commission officially announces the voting dates, it is difficult to finalize the entire schedule of IPL. Actually ECI has to conduct elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry. In such a situation, keeping in mind the security arrangements and logistics planning, BCCI has currently released the schedule of only the initial matches. After the election dates are decided, the schedule of the remaining matches will also be announced.
There will be a total of 84 matches this season
A total of 10 teams are participating in IPL 2026 and 84 matches will be played in the entire season. In the first phase, matches will be held in 10 different stadiums of the country. The matches will be played at two times – 3:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
Some teams will have two home grounds
This season, the home grounds of some teams will also be in two different cities.
- RCB will play its 5 matches in Bengaluru and 2 matches in Raipur.
- Rajasthan Royals matches will be held in Guwahati and Jaipur.
- The matches of Punjab Kings will be played in New Chandigarh and Dharamshala.
Decision still pending on Chinnaswamy Stadium
Final approval is also pending regarding the matches to be held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The expert committee of Karnataka government will inspect the stadium on March 13. Only after this will final permission be given to organize all the matches here. Overall, IPL 2026 will start on time, but fans may have to wait a little longer for the complete schedule.
