Governing Council clears two-phase IPL 2026 timeline

The Governing Council of the Indian Premier League has formally cleared the first half of the schedule for IPL 2026, expected to be announced by March 6 or 7. The GC met online on Monday and decided to release the Season 19 fixtures in two phases, with the first set likely later this week.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru announced they will play five games at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, making it the expected venue for the season-opener. Traditionally, the defending champions host the first match, and that trend is set to continue. The Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary Santosh Menon confirmed the Bengaluru stadium would also host a playoff game and the tournament final.

RCB's opponents are yet to be finalised. As previously reported, the start of the season could be pushed back slightly, with March 28 or 29 emerging as possible dates. The final will be held on May 31.

In a communication to franchises, BCCI acting CEO and IPL COO Hemang Amin stated that practice session guidelines would be shared next week. No Objection Certificates for overseas players will be shared in one go in the coming days, with documents from Cricket Australia and individual NOCs from South Africa to be forwarded together to the BCCI.

The franchises were informed that fixtures were being held back pending the Election Commission's announcement of poll dates for West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu. Details regarding the pre-tournament captains' meeting will be communicated by next week.

Given the limited time before the likely start of the season, the BCCI has decided to release the fixtures in two phases, as done in previous election years. The first phase of IPL 2026 is expected to cover the initial 13-14 days.