The IPL 2026 season is now expected to kick off on March 28, two days later than originally planned, with the final slated for May 31. While the tournament was initially scheduled to begin on March 26, Hindustan Times have reported that the start date has been pushed back.

"Yes, there’s been a change in plans. The IPL 2026 season is now most likely to begin two days later, on March 28. There is no change to the date for the final; it will go ahead on May 31.”

With less than a month remaining for the league to begin, the IPL 2026 schedule is still awaited. The delay is understood to be linked to the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly waiting for the Election Commission’s announcement before finalising fixtures.

Election dates could impact home fixtures

Several franchises may be affected depending on the poll schedule:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Home venue: Eden Gardens

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Home venue: Chepauk (MA Chidambaram Stadium)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Second home venue: Barsapara Stadium

Given the uncertainty, the BCCI may release the IPL 2026 fixtures in two phases, a strategy previously adopted during election years.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru to host opener? Venue still uncertain

As defending champions of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are expected to host the opening match of IPL 2026, in line with tournament tradition. However, it remains unclear whether M Chinnaswamy Stadium will stage the curtain-raiser.

Although the Karnataka government has granted permission to the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) and RCB to host matches at Chinnaswamy, the franchise is yet to take a final decision.

The venue has not hosted any matches since last year’s tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL victory celebrations, which claimed 11 lives. Safety and logistical considerations are likely to play a key role in the final call.