Following last week's announcement of a March 28 start delay due to state elections, the IPL Governing Council has greenlit the first 13-14 days of fixtures for release on March 6 or 7. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host the opener at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with five home games, a playoff, and the final there on May 31; the rest shift to Raipur.
The IPL Governing Council convened online on Monday, approving the initial phase of the 2026 schedule amid ongoing uncertainties from assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. This two-phase approach, used in prior election years, allows the BCCI to adjust once poll dates are set.
Resolving prior concerns after a deadly stampede during RCB's 2025 title celebrations, the Karnataka government and KSCA have cleared M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for five league home matches, one playoff, and the May 31 final. RCB will play their remaining two homes at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, fulfilling commitments to Chhattisgarh.
The opener shifts from an earlier March 26 plan to March 28 or 29, hosted by RCB at Chinnaswamy—opponent TBD. KSCA secretary Santosh Menon noted, "The RCB roar is going to echo again in the Chinnaswamy Stadium." RCB CEO Rajesh Menon added, "The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground; it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive."
The franchise thanked Karnataka authorities for safety approvals. BCCI acting CEO Hemang Amin said practice guidelines and NOCs for overseas players will follow soon. Full fixtures await election clarity.
