IPL 2026 Set to Begin on March 28, Opening Match Venue Under Review

New Delhi. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is now scheduled to commence on March 28, two days later than the pre-determined plan by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Although franchises were informed on December 15, the day before the auction, that the tournament would start on March 26, the IPL is internally preparing to inaugurate the event on March 28 and hold the final on May 31.

The IPL Governing Council meeting scheduled for next week is expected to finalize the plan for announcing the schedule. The delay in announcing the schedule is due to the dates for the assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu not yet being declared.

The cities of Kolkata, Chennai, and Guwahati in these states are the home grounds for Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals, respectively. The Council will decide whether to announce the schedule in two phases or wait for the Election Commission's decision until the voting dates are set.

This year's opening match is confirmed to feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). However, the venue for the match is currently the center of discussion.

Last June, 11 fans died in a stampede at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium during the celebration of RCB's victory. Due to this tragic incident, RCB is in discussions with the Karnataka State Cricket Association regarding whether to play its seven home games there or move them elsewhere.

Citing security concerns, RCB has shortlisted Navi Mumbai, Raipur, and Pune as alternative venues. The upcoming Governing Council meeting will make the final decision regarding the tournament's start and venue, taking into account the election dates and the security situation in Bangalore.