IPL 2026 Start Delayed to March 28; Final Scheduled for May 31

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is now expected to start on March 28, two days later than the initially planned March 26, with the final scheduled for May 31. The delay is primarily due to pending assembly election dates in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, which affect venue availability and security arrangements. The IPL Governing Council is set to meet soon to finalize the full schedule, including the opening match venue, with discussions ongoing about Royal Challengers Bengaluru's home games following last year's stadium incident.