IPL 2026 Schedule Delayed Due to Indian State Elections

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified why the match schedule for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has not yet been officially released. IPL 2026 is expected to run from March 26 to May 31, and with less than a month and a half remaining before the tournament begins, fans are eager to know why the fixtures are still pending. A BCCI official explained that election schedules and vote-counting dates across multiple states have complicated planning. Matches that clash with polling duties would face security shortages, forcing organisers to shift venues and restructure team travel plans. The board is therefore waiting for official confirmation from authorities before finalising dates. “It’s a mammoth task to rearrange the schedule of three teams if some of the match dates clash with the election or counting dates. Naturally, the state police won’t be able to provide security for the matches, and we will have to move those games to a different location. We are in touch with the authorities and waiting for clarity on the dates," the official was quoted as saying to InsideSport “If the dates take too long to be announced, we may end up releasing the schedule in two parts. That is one option. We will take a call soon," the official added. Upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam are key concerns, as state security forces will be deployed for polling duties. Potential scheduling conflicts could particularly impact teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Reports suggest KKR have explored alternate venues, including discussions with the Odisha Cricket Association to host matches in Cuttack. Rajasthan Royals (RR) also face uncertainty due to administrative issues involving the Rajasthan Cricket Association, prompting talks about shifting home games to Pune. Additionally, several IPL venues are currently occupied for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, as stadiums in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai and Ahmedabad need preparation time before IPL matches begin.