IPL 2026 schedule first phase likely on March 12, says BCCI secretary

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to release the schedule for IPL 2026 in a day or two, likely on March 12 and not later than March 13. The tournament is scheduled to begin on March 28 and conclude on May 31.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to Cricbuzz that the schedule will be released in two phases. The first phase, covering the initial 20 days, will be announced on March 12 or 13. The second phase will be announced after the Election Commission of India declares the dates for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The elections in Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala are expected to influence the IPL timeline. The IPL Governing Council had previously cleared the plan for a two-phase schedule.

Saikia added that the BCCI is awaiting confirmations from a few venues and will then announce the first phase dates. He confirmed that Raipur will be a new venue this season alongside the regular centers.

Regarding external factors, Saikia stated that the BCCI is currently only concerned with the Assembly elections and not influenced by other issues. He confirmed the season will not extend beyond May 31.