IPL 2026 calendar stalled by state polls, partial schedule soon: BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia also noted that only a partial schedule will be released initially, covering the first 20 days of the tournament.

Updated on: Mar 10, 2026, 19:40:37 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said the schedule for the upcoming Indian Premier League season will be announced within the next two to three days. He explained that the board is waiting for clarity on election dates in a few states before locking in the fixtures. Saikia also noted that only a partial schedule will be released initially, covering the first 20 days of the tournament. The remaining fixtures will be announced later during the season once logistical and administrative details are fully sorted.

BCCI awaits election dates to announce IPL schedule for first 20 days: Devajit Saikia (Raju Shinde)

“We will announce the first 20-day schedule of IPL in 2 or 3 days after considering the election dates in a few states, and will announce the rest of the tournament schedule later,” Saikia said to ANI.

The announcement of the tournament's schedule will be in two phases, with state assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala scheduled for the coming months.

Meanwhile, the 2026 season is expected to kick off on March 28.

RCB to play their home matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru confirmed their home venue split for the upcoming Indian Premier League season on Tuesday. Five matches will be staged at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, while the remaining two home fixtures are set to be held at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur.

Also Read - 'MS Dhoni told Suryakumar Yadav how to approach': India skipper reveals key chat before T20 World Cup

The update puts to rest uncertainty over the franchise’s return to its primary base after last season’s tragic crowd crush that claimed 11 lives during celebrations of their maiden title. In the aftermath of the incident, the Bengaluru venue was kept out of major domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20, amid safety reviews and administrative caution.

KSCA chief and former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad has already declared that the M Chinnaswamy Stadium will also be hosting the opening match and final of the season.

"For me personally, it's a huge achievement. Probably this is much bigger than my five-wicket haul against England at Lords," Prasad said.

"It's a pleasure to announce that they (RCB) have agreed to play five games in Bengaluru. The opening game and the opening ceremony will be staged here, and the play-off will also be played in Bangalore. The biggest news is that the final of IPL will also be played in Bangalore," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Get live cricket scores, match updates, schedules, results and ICC rankings. Follow the latest news, statistics and performances of top teams and players on Hindustan Times.