The wait is nearly over! BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed the IPL 2026 schedule will drop on March 12. Due to upcoming Assembly elections, the board is releasing a staggered two-phase fixture list, starting with the first 20 days of action. The tournament officially kicks off on March 28, featuring a new venue in Raipur, and is set to crown a champion by May 31.
The wait is almost over for millions of cricket fans! In a massive development for the TATA IPL 2026, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the first phase of the tournament schedule is set to be released on March 12, and no later than March 13.
With the 19th edition of the world's richest cricket league slated to kick off on March 28, the countdown to the opening delivery has officially begun. However, unlike previous years, the 2026 season comes with a unique "staggered" twist.
The BCCI has opted for a strategic two-phase rollout for the fixtures. The initial announcement on March 12 will cover the first 20 days of action. The reason? High-stakes Assembly Elections.
With Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala heading to the polls this summer, the BCCI must coordinate match security and logistics with the Election Commission of India.
"The second phase of the schedule will be announced after the dates of the Assembly elections are declared," Saikia confirmed.
Despite the logistical juggling, the BCCI remains firm on one detail: the grand finale will take place on May 31, ensuring a compact and high-octane summer of cricket.
In an exciting move for fans in Central India, Saikia confirmed that Raipur will join the list of regular IPL centers as a new venue this year. The board is currently awaiting final confirmations from a few other centers before the "go" button is pressed this Thursday.
Addressing global concerns, the BCCI also touched upon the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and potential fuel shortages. However, the board clarified that these external factors are currently not influencing the tournament's planning. The primary focus remains internal logistics and ensuring a seamless fan experience amidst the festive election atmosphere in India.
The Opening Match: Traditionally featuring the defending champions (RCB) at a high-voltage venue.
Home/Away Split: Clarity on how teams will travel during the first three weeks.
Double-Header Weekends: The initial 20-day window is expected to be packed with weekend clashes to drive early viewership.
As the "ScoreWaves" reports suggest, the IPL Governing Council has already cleared the two-phase roadmap. Fans should keep their eyes glued to official channels this Thursday for the first glimpse of the IPL 2026 journey.
Also Read: BCCI Announces ₹131 Crore Reward for ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Winners
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Following India’s historic T20 World Cup 2026 title defense, the BCCI has announced a record-breaking ₹131 crore reward for the Men in Blue! This massive bounty honors the squad’s dominant victory over New Zealand. Each of the 15 players will receive ₹6 crore, with the remaining ₹41 crore distributed among Gautam Gambhir’s coaching staff and support personnel, celebrating India’s unprecedented third T20 world title.
History was created as the India national cricket team lifted the ICC Men's T20 World Cup trophy again, becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles and the first to win three T20 World Cups. Sanju Samson led the charge with a brilliant 89 in the final and a stunning tournament comeback to win Player of the Tournament, while Jasprit Bumrah’s 4-wicket spell sealed India’s historic triumph.
Wankhede witnessed history. India stormed into their first-ever back-to-back T20 World Cup Final, surviving Jacob Bethell’s record-breaking ton in a 499-run thriller. Sanju Samson’s 89 equaled Virat Kohli’s knockout legacy as India posted a record 253/7. Now, the Men in Blue stand on the precipice of immortality: one win against New Zealand to become the first team to win consecutive World Cup titles.
History was rewritten at Eden Gardens! New Zealand’s Finn Allen shattered the record books, smashing the fastest hundred in T20 World Cup history in just 33 balls. Obliterating Chris Gayle’s long-standing 47-ball record, Allen’s explosive 2026 semi-final masterclass against South Africa has propelled the Kiwis into the Grand Final. Is this the greatest T20 innings ever? Explore the new top 5 fastest centurions now.
Keshav Maharaj leads the charge! South Africa has unveiled a bold 15-man T20I squad for their March tour of New Zealand. With IPL stars absent, five uncapped gems—including teenage pace sensation Nqobani Mokoena—get their big break. Bolstered by the return of Gerald Coetzee and Tony de Zorzi, this new-look Proteas side under Maharaj’s veteran leadership is ready to prove the incredible depth of South African cricket.
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