IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement On March 12: BCCI to Release First 20 Days of Indian Premier League Fixtures

The IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement is expected on March 12, when the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) plans to release the first set of fixtures for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. However, officials will initially reveal only the schedule for the first 20 days of the tournament, while the remaining matches will be announced later.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the phased rollout of the fixtures, explaining that the complete schedule will take more time because organisers are coordinating the tournament with other national events. Speaking to ANI, BCCI Secretary Devajit Lon Saikia said the board plans to share the opening fixtures first and release the rest once other commitments become clear.

Tournament window and election considerations

According to organisers, the 19th edition of the IPL will run from March 28 to May 31, 2026, a slight shift from the earlier tentative plan of March 26 to May 30. The adjustment comes as the BCCI carefully plans match dates around Assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu, which may affect venue availability and security arrangements.

Because of these factors, the IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement will be made in stages. Once polling dates and security planning are confirmed, the remaining fixtures will be added to the calendar.

Officials say this staggered approach allows franchises to begin logistical planning while still giving organisers flexibility to adjust venues, travel schedules or match timings if election arrangements require changes.

Biggest IPL season yet with 84 matches

IPL 2026 will be the largest season in the tournament's history, featuring 84 matches, compared with 74 in earlier editions. The league will continue with the double round-robin format, where each of the 10 teams plays both home and away matches against other franchises.

This structure will produce 80 league-stage matches, followed by four playoff games that decide the champion.

The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who defeated Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final, will headline the competition when the season begins in late March.

Playoffs and final venue plans

The IPL 2026 playoffs are expected to begin on May 26, leading to the final scheduled for May 31, 2026. Bengaluru has been confirmed as the venue for Qualifier 1 and the final, while the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 are likely to be played in Ahmedabad and Raipur, though organisers are yet to make a final announcement.

Matches throughout the season will take place across several major cricket venues in India, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Raipur.

Teams begin preparations before full schedule release

While fans await the full IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement, franchises have already started their pre-season training camps.

Chennai Super Kings began training on March 1 at their High-Performance Centre in Navalur, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad joining veteran MS Dhoni. Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier held a camp on February 10 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Gujarat Titans conducted practice sessions at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara, while Punjab Kings first trained in Abu Dhabi before moving their camp to Dharamsala. Sunrisers Hyderabad also began preparations on March 1 with domestic players gathering for training.

Other teams are also preparing for the new season. Mumbai Indians have started their build-up, Rajasthan Royals are expected to assemble in Jaipur from March 15, and Kolkata Knight Riders will open their pre-season camp on March 18. Delhi Capitals recently trained in Hyderabad and may add another camp in New Delhi, while Lucknow Super Giants have already held a practice session in Lucknow.

Fans await full IPL 2026 schedule

With just weeks left before the tournament begins, cricket fans across the country are closely watching for updates on the IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement. The opening fixtures expected on March 12 will provide the first clear look at match dates, venues and travel plans for the teams.

Once election schedules and security arrangements are finalised, the BCCI is expected to release the complete IPL 2026 schedule, setting the stage for what promises to be the biggest Indian Premier League season yet.