IPL 2026 schedule to be announced in two parts; first phase announcement date revealed- The Week

Less than a month to go for IPL 2026 and the schedule isn’t out yet. Considering that it is a year of multiple state assembly elections in India in places like Assam, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, delay in schedule announcement wasn’t unexpected. However, it was still assumed that the BCCI would have released the schedule by now.

The problem is that the election dates in the respective states haven’t been revealed yet, complicating matters with respect to the IPL 2026 schedule. Nevertheless, it has been decided by the IPL’s Governing Council that the schedule would be announced in two parts. Which means that the schedule for the first half of the tournament will be released first and the rest shall be done after the election dates.

As of now, the only confirmed date is that of the IPL 2026 final and it shall be held on May 31 and it is slated to be held in Bengaluru. The BCCI will release the schedule for the first two weeks of IPL 2026 and this is expected to be announced towards the end of this week. Saturday (March 7) seems to be the likely date of announcement although it could even come a day earlier.

March 8 is the date for the 2026 T20 World Cup final and hence, no developments are expected on that date. Meanwhile, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host the first game of IPL 2026 and it shall be held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The iconic home venue for RCB is set to host five games this season while two games will be played at the adopted home of Raipur.

One of the playoff games, allegedly Qualifier 1, and the final will be held in Bengaluru. All other details regarding the schedule are abstract at this point and more clarity will be obtained only after the election dates in the respective states are made public.