IPL 2026 schedule to be out soon: BCCI to reveal first 20 days' fixtures amidst election delay

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The world's biggest and most exciting cricket league, IPL 2026, is set to kick off on March 28th. Cricket fans are eagerly awaiting this mega event, but the official schedule for the entire season has yet to be released. Ending this suspense, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has made a significant statement. He has revealed the real reason for the delay in releasing the schedule and has also clarified when fans will finally see the season's schedule. Saikia clarified that the entire schedule of the tournament will not be released at once, but only the matches for the first 20 days will be announced.

Only 20 days' schedule will come in the first phase

Speaking to news agency ANI, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board is planning to release the highly anticipated IPL 2026 schedule within the next two to three days. However, for now, only the first 20 days of the schedule will be released to fans. Previously, some media reports claimed that the schedule would be released in two phases, and that the IPL Governing Council had approved the first half of the schedule. Now, Saikia's statement has completely confirmed these speculations.

Elections spoiled the game, hence the delay

The biggest reason behind this unprecedented delay in the IPL's entire schedule is the upcoming assembly elections in three major states. Assembly elections are scheduled in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu in 2026. Since all three states have major IPL franchises and important matches are scheduled there, the matches are being scheduled with the election dates in mind. The BCCI wants to ensure that match dates do not clash with security arrangements and election rallies, which is why the matches are being scheduled in different phases.

The opening match can be played at Chinnaswamy Stadium

This year's IPL kickoff is set to be a special one, as defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will take the field. RCB won the title last season by defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a thrilling final in Ahmedabad. Earlier this month, Karnataka State Cricket Association Secretary Santosh Menon confirmed that five of RCB's home matches will be played at Bengaluru's famous M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. He also hinted that the grand opening and final blockbuster of IPL 2026 could be played at this historic ground.