While the IPL 2026 was scheduled to start by March 26, the start may now be postponed by a couple of days. As per a report in Cricbuzz, the BCCI is yet to finalise a date for the start of the tournament. There is yet to be an announcement of the same, but March 28-29 are under consideration. Also, the confirmation could be made by next week.
Change in IPL 2026 start date
It remains to be seen, if the start is delayed, the final would be delayed too? The IPL franchises seemed to have been informed informally as well. In fact, the BCCI has not made the IPL 2026 schedule public, until now. That is largely because of the state assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and West Bengal. There is also a possibility, that a partial schedule might be announced soon.
This is not the first time, that there will be a delay in the originally projected start date. Back in 2019, the dates were changed a bit due to the general elections. Nonetheless, things will become clear, once the elections dates are revealed by the Election Commission of India.
Assembly elections the reason
Other than that, the BCCI is learnt to have met all the franchises, as well as other stakeholders, to increase the excitement for the season. The broadcasters and the teams could just step up their efforts to promote IPL — NBA and NFL style. There were discussions around — how to maximise the publicity through traditional and social media.
This time around, some of the traditional powerhouses of the tournament will be looking to better their performances. CSK haven’t enjoyed the best time in the last couple of years. MI have also not laid their hands on the title for some time now, while DC still look for their first.
Cricket
IPL 2026 to begin from March 28? Two-day delay expected for tournament opener
