The wait for the IPL 2026 schedule just got longer. While fans were expecting the full match list by mid-February, the official fixture announcement has been delayed for some reason. The tournament window is locked in — but the match-by-match schedule is still under review due to security arrangements linked to upcoming state elections.
Here’s everything officially confirmed so far about IPL 2026 — including tournament dates, venue status, team squads, and what happens next.
Table of Contents
IPL 2026 Tournament Window Confirmed
IPL 2026 Schedule is not confirmed yet but, According to the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the tournament window for IPL 2026 has been finalized:
- Start Date (Tentative): March 26, 2026
- End Date (Tentative): May 31, 2026
- Total Matches: 74
- Format: Home and Away league stage + Playoffs
The BCCI has informed franchises about this official window. However, the detailed fixture list — including match numbers, dates, and venues — is yet to be released.
Also read: ACC Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 Schedule Confirmed: Full Fixtures, Groups & Match Timings
Why IPL 2026 Schedule Is Delayed
The delay is directly linked to Assembly Elections in:
- West Bengal
- Tamil Nadu
- Assam
Security forces in these states will be deployed for election duty, making it difficult to host high-profile IPL matches simultaneously.
A senior BCCI official confirmed that the schedule may be announced in two phases, similar to previous seasons affected by elections.
Possible Scenario:
- Phase 1: Matches in non-election states
- Phase 2: Kolkata, Chennai, and Guwahati fixtures once polling dates are finalized
This phased release strategy ensures smooth logistics and security planning.
Confirmed IPL 2026 Venues & Host Cities
While the full schedule is pending, several venues are either confirmed or under review.
| City | Stadium | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Confirmed |
| Mumbai | Wankhede Stadium | Likely Unaffected |
| Ahmedabad | Narendra Modi Stadium | Expected Playoff Venue |
| Hyderabad | Rajiv Gandhi Int. Stadium | Likely Unaffected |
| Lucknow | Ekana Stadium | Likely Unaffected |
| Delhi | Arun Jaitley Stadium | Likely Unaffected |
| Mohali/Mullanpur | PCA Stadium | Likely Unaffected |
| Chennai | M. A. Chidambaram Stadium | Doubtful (First Half) |
| Kolkata | Eden Gardens | Doubtful (First Half) |
| Jaipur | Sawai Mansingh Stadium | Uncertain |
Narendra Modi Stadium – Ahmedabad
The world’s largest cricket stadium is expected to host the IPL 2026 Playoffs and Final. Given its infrastructure and capacity, Ahmedabad remains a preferred venue for marquee matches.
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium – Bengaluru
The Karnataka government recently cleared the stadium to host IPL matches after safety upgrades. Bengaluru is fully ready for IPL 2026 action.
Eden Gardens – Kolkata
Due to West Bengal elections, early matches may be shifted. The franchise is reportedly exploring alternate venues like Cuttack or Guwahati for the first phase.
IPL 2026 Team Squads (Post-Auction Update)
Here’s a quick overview of confirmed squad cores following the retention deadline and auction.
Chennai Super Kings
- Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Key Players: MS Dhoni, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana
Mumbai Indians
- Captain: Hardik Pandya
- Core: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Tilak Varma
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Leader: Virat Kohli (senior role)
- Key Buys: Liam Livingstone, Venkatesh Iyer
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer
- Big Signing: Cameron Green (₹25.20 Cr)
Rajasthan Royals
- Captain: To Be Confirmed
- Major Additions: Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran
Gujarat Titans
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Key Additions: Mohammed Siraj, Jos Buttler
Delhi Capitals
- Captain: To Be Announced
- Key Buys: KL Rahul, Mitchell Starc
Lucknow Super Giants
- Big Buy: Rishabh Pant (₹27 Cr)
- Core: Nicholas Pooran, Ravi Bishnoi
Punjab Kings
- Squad Update: Shreyas Iyer likely key signing
- Retained: Prabhsimran Singh
Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Captain: Pat Cummins
- Key Players: Heinrich Klaasen, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan
What Happens Next?
The full IPL 2026 match list is expected once the Election Commission releases polling dates for affected states.
Once cleared:
- Complete 74-match schedule will be announced
- Match numbers, dates, and start times (IST) will be confirmed
- Ticket sales will begin shortly after
Historically, the BCCI releases the final schedule 4–6 weeks before the opening match.
Final Word
The IPL 2026 schedule may be delayed, but the tournament window is locked and franchises are fully prepared. With star-studded squads, record-breaking auction buys, and confirmed venues like Ahmedabad and Bengaluru, the season promises high-intensity cricket once fixtures are announced.
Fans can expect the official IPL 2026 full match list very soon — likely in phases — as soon as election security logistics are finalized.
Stay tuned on crictrace.com for live updates, detailed match schedules, and venue-wise breakdowns as soon as the BCCI releases the official fixtures.