The IPL 2026 2026 season will begin on March 28 in Bengaluru, with the tournament set to run for over two months before culminating in the final on May 31.

As per tradition, the IPL 2026 first match will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru; their opponents are yet to be unveiled.

“Yes, IPL 2026 will begin on March 28 in Bengaluru, and the final will be held on May 31,” said BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

“The schedule of the first 20 days of IPL 2026 will be announced soon, while the schedule for the rest of the IPL schedule will be announced after the Election Commission of India announces the dates for Elections.” added Saikia.

The fixtures of the first phase are expected to be released on March 06 or 07, 2026. The delay in the releasing for the full schedule is linked to the announcement of Assembly election dates in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu.

With only limited time before the season begins, the BCCI has opted for a staggered release – a strategy previously adopted during election years.

The decision was taken during an online GC meeting on Monday, where it was decided that the 19th edition of the season would be released in two phases. The first set of fixtures, covering approximately the opening 13 to 14 days, is likely to be unveiled later this week.

The IPL council committee have informed franchises that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas plyaers would be issued collectively in the coming days.

Recently, it is revealed that five of the RCB IPL 2026 Home Matches are set to be played at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium, which includes the IPL 2026 first match of the tournament.

The Chinnaswamy Stadium will return to hosting IPL 2026 games after being barred from hosting high-level cricket due to a stampede that claimed 11 lives last year.

The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has begun their work to ensure a safer fan experience, in line with the recommendations made in the Karnataka government appointed justice Josh Michael D’Cunha commission.