A major update has emerged regarding the 2026 schedule of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has decided to make some changes to the upcoming IPL. According to an ESPN report, the 19th season of the IPL will begin on March 28th. It was originally scheduled to begin on March 26th. The final match will be played on May 31st. It is being reported that this decision was made in light of the upcoming assembly elections in three states. However, the BCCI has not yet issued an official statement regarding this.
The BCCI announced during the IPL Players' Auction in Abu Dhabi in December 2025 that the tournament would begin on March 26, 2026. However, about a month ago, the Board decided to postpone IPL 2026 by two days, moving it from March 26 to March 28. However, the final match remains unchanged. It will be played on May 31.
According to ESPN-Cricinfo, the IPL Governing Council is scheduled to meet next week, where this decision could be finalized. The BCCI may then make an official announcement regarding the schedule.
What is the real reason behind the change in IPL plan?
It's worth noting that assembly elections are scheduled in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu in March-April. The BCCI is awaiting the Election Commission's announcement of the dates, as the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are the franchises most likely to be affected by the election dates. Eden Gardens and the MA Chidambaram Stadium are the home venues for KKR and CSK, while the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati is being considered as the Royals' second home venue.
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