IPL 2026 Schedule Confirmed for March 12 First 20 Days Fixtures Coming This Week
🚨 Breaking: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirms the IPL 2026 schedule drops on March 12 — first 20 days of fixtures revealed this Thursday.
The wait is almost over. After days of silence and fan frustration, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially confirmed that the IPL 2026 match schedule will be announced on March 12, 2026. Only the first 20 games will drop initially, with the rest coming in a second phase. Here’s everything you need to know right now.
IPL 2026 Schedule: Key Dates at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Schedule Announcement | March 12, 2026 |
| Tournament Start Date | March 28, 2026 |
| Tournament End Date | May 31, 2026 |
| Opening Venue | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru |
| Phase 1 Fixtures | First 20 matches only |
| Phase 2 Schedule | To follow (election-dependent) |
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told IANS directly: “We plan to announce IPL 2026 schedule by March 12. For now, we are going to announce the IPL schedule for the first 20 days.”
The full IPL 2026 schedule and fixtures will be your go-to once the official announcement lands — bookmark it now.
Why Was the IPL 2026 Schedule Delayed?
This wasn’t a simple admin slip. Two big reasons held things up:
1. Franchise vs Venue Disputes Several IPL franchises and state cricket associations couldn’t agree on home ground allocations. With 10 teams and limited premium venues, negotiations dragged longer than expected.
2. Assembly Election Calendar The Election Commission’s schedule for West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry directly impacts which cities can host matches. Large public gatherings including IPL games are restricted near polling areas. The BCCI is deliberately releasing the schedule in two phases to avoid conflicts.
The IPL 2026 schedule was originally expected to drop on the day of the T20 World Cup 2026 final, then pushed again — before Saikia finally confirmed March 12 as the definitive date.
Chinnaswamy Stadium Returns — A Significant Moment
The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host the IPL 2026 opener, at least one playoff match, and the final. This marks cricket’s return to the iconic venue following the tragic Bengaluru stampede, which claimed 11 lives and injured many more. The decision carries emotional and symbolic weight for Indian cricket fans.
All 10 Teams Already in Pre-Season Mode
Don’t think the delay slowed anyone down. Every franchise has been grinding in training camps across the country — and even abroad.
| Team | Training Location | Camp Start |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | Navalur HPC, Chennai | March 1 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | February 10 |
| Gujarat Titans | Miraj International Stadium, Nathdwara | February (2 sessions) |
| Punjab Kings | Abu Dhabi + Dharamsala | Early February |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Home base | March 1 |
| Mumbai Indians | Home base | March (ongoing) |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | March 15 (expected) |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | TBC | March 18 |
| Delhi Capitals | Hyderabad + New Delhi | Recent |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Lucknow | Completed |
Notable names already on the ground include MS Dhoni and Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK. Check out the latest IPL 2026 team squads and player lists to see who’s in each camp roster.
What Happens After March 12?
The March 12 release covers only the first 20 matches — roughly the first two to three weeks of the tournament. The remainder of the schedule will follow once election dates are officially announced for the affected states.
The captains’ meeting details will also be communicated separately, likely next week, again tied to the election calendar update.
Keep an eye on the IPL 2026 points table once the tournament kicks off March 28 — things will move fast.
IPL 2026 Quick Facts
- 19th edition of the Indian Premier League
- 10 teams competing across India
- Season window: March 28 to May 31, 2026
- Schedule release: Two phases due to elections
- Opening match venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
For all IPL 2026 live streaming options when the action begins, we’ve got you fully covered.
FAQs
When will the IPL 2026 schedule be announced? BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the schedule will be announced on March 12, 2026.
Why is the IPL 2026 schedule releasing in two phases? To avoid clashes with assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
When does IPL 2026 start? IPL 2026 begins on March 28, 2026, and runs until May 31, 2026.
Where will IPL 2026 opening match be held? The M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host the opener, a playoff, and the final.
How many matches are in the first schedule release? Only the first 20 matches of IPL 2026 will be announced on March 12.
Which teams have already started their IPL 2026 training camps? All 10 teams have started or scheduled camps — CSK, RCB, GT, PBKS, SRH, MI, RR, KKR, DC, and LSG are all preparing actively.
