The BCCI will release the remaining IPL 2026 fixtures in the coming days, board secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to the Times of India on Wednesday. The board had earlier announced only the first 20 matches running till April 12. The delay came after the Election Commission declared assembly election dates in key IPL states like Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu.
The remaining 54 match schedule is now expected later this week. Despite concerns over a possible energy and fuel crisis affecting venues, BCCI sources indicated the league will proceed normally without any curtailment.
All 10 IPL Captains Briefed on Tournament Rules at BCCI Headquarters
All 10 IPL captains attended a briefing session at the BCCI headquarters following a photoshoot at the Cricket Club of India. Match referees’ head Javagal Srinath and umpiring panel chief Nitin Menon led the session. The briefing covered all existing tournament regulations and helped first-time captains like Ishan Kishan of Sunrisers Hyderabad gain clarity before the season opener.
Key rules that remain unchanged for IPL 2026:
- Innings timer with a 60-second clock
- Impact Player rule (continuing till 2027)
- Concussion substitute protocol
- Code of Conduct Guidelines
- Two bouncers per overrule
- Bat checks and ball replacement protocols
- Saliva usage regulations
- Retired out of provision
Sources revealed that a majority of captains expressed reservations about the Impact Player rule during the session. However, the BCCI has confirmed the rule stays in place until at least 2027.
Ball Change Rule Continues for Dew Management in Night Games
The BCCI will retain the ball change rule introduced last season to counter dew in evening matches. Fielding captains can request one ball change after the 10th over of the second innings in night games. The replacement ball will carry similar wear and tear to the original. Umpires also retain the right to change the ball at any point if it becomes unfit for play.
The IPL 2026 season kicks off on March 28 when defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
