IPL 2026 to Unfold in Two-Phase Schedule Reveal; Bengaluru Poised for Season Curtain-Raiser and Finale

New Delhi, March 4 — The Indian Premier League Governing Council has formally approved the first segment of the IPL 2026 calendar, setting the stage for a staggered release of fixtures that will culminate in a May 31 final at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Cricbuzz has learned.

Following an online meeting on Monday, the council resolved to unveil the initial block of matches—covering the tournament’s first 13 to 14 days—on either March 6 or 7. The full itinerary will be disclosed later, contingent on the Election Commission’s announcement of state poll dates in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu, a move that has prompted the BCCI to revert to the phased-schedule model last employed during previous election cycles.

M Chinnaswamy Stadium, home to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is set to host the season opener, continuing the tradition of the defending champions inaugurating the competition. RCB confirmed on Tuesday that they will stage five home fixtures at the venue, while Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary Santosh Menon verified that the ground has also been allotted a playoff match plus the title clash on May 31.

Although RCB’s first opponent remains undecided, indications suggest the 19th season could commence on March 28 or 29, a slight shift from earlier projections. Once the opening phase is released, franchises will receive practice-session protocols next week, and the BCCI will collectively issue No Objection Certificates for overseas recruits, acting CEO and IPL COO Hemang Amin informed the teams in a recent circular.

With barely three weeks until the first ball is bowled, the board’s two-step announcement aims to balance logistical certainty with the fluid political calendar, ensuring players, broadcasters and fans gain clarity without compromising security arrangements tied to state elections.