The Indian Premier League 2026 season may not begin on its originally planned date, with reports suggesting the Board of Control for Cricket in India is considering a slight delay to the start of the tournament.
March 28 is now understood to be the most likely opening date, though March 29 has not been ruled out either. The BCCI had previously communicated to all ten franchises that the season would begin on March 26, during December’s IPL auction held in Abu Dhabi. A formal announcement is expected within the coming week.
Why the Delay?
The shift appears to be linked to the upcoming state assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and West Bengal. The dates for these elections, set by the Election Commission of India, are expected to overlap with parts of the IPL season in certain cities.
The BCCI had originally planned to release the full season schedule once the election dates were confirmed. However, with the season fast approaching and no election dates announced yet, franchises have been pushing the board for clarity. As things stand, it remains unclear whether the season finale will also be moved back by a day or two to accommodate the adjusted start.
Partial Schedule Expected First
With time running out, the BCCI may opt to release a partial schedule in the first week of March, covering the opening phase of the tournament. The complete fixture list would then follow once the Election Commission confirms its dates.
This approach would not be without precedent. A similar strategy was adopted during the 2019 season, which coincided with India’s general election. No final decision has been taken yet, but the move would give franchises, broadcasters, and fans at least some certainty on the early rounds of matches.
Stakeholders Meet to Build Pre-Season Buzz
Meanwhile, efforts are already underway to generate excitement ahead of the new season. The BCCI recently brought together representatives from broadcaster JioHotstar and all ten franchises at its offices to discuss pre-season promotional strategies. Three franchises attended the meeting virtually.
Discussions focused on how teams and the broadcaster can work together to build momentum through both traditional and social media. Players are expected to play a central role in the build-up, although they typically only report to their franchises about a week before the season begins.
The stakeholders explored ways to maximise player involvement in creating early buzz, with the ambition of matching the pre-season excitement seen in leagues like the NFL and NBA.
What Happens Next?
For now, the cricketing world waits. A clearer picture should emerge in the first week of March, when the BCCI is expected to release at least a partial schedule. Whether the season kicks off on March 28 or 29, it is only a minor adjustment — but with elections, broadcasting, and franchise logistics all in play, even a couple of days can make a significant difference behind the scenes.
