Cricket Countdown Begins: IPL 2026 Dates Revealed as Teams Prepare For Mega Season
IPL 2026 is likely to start on March 26 and conclude on May 31, with RCB opening the season.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) will commence on March 26 and conclude with the final on May 31, providing franchises with a clear timeline during preparations for the mini-auction. This announcement was made by IPL Chief Operating Officer Hemang Amin in a briefing to team representatives in Abu Dhabi on December 15, 2025, ahead of the player auction scheduled for the following day. The 19th edition maintains the league's customary late-March to late-May slot, allowing for a full schedule of 74 matches.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who secured their maiden IPL title in 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings in the final, are expected to feature in the season opener as per tradition. However, uncertainty persists regarding whether RCB's home matches, including the potential curtain-raiser, will be held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The venue's status remains under review following a tragic stampede on June 4, 2025, during victory celebrations that claimed 11 lives and injured dozens, prompting stringent safety requirements from authorities.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association has obtained conditional clearance from the state government to host matches, contingent on implementing enhanced crowd management and security measures. Officials have expressed optimism about compliance, but final approval is pending, which could influence venue allocations for RCB's fixtures. This development underscores broader concerns about event safety in high-attendance cricket gatherings.
Also Read: IPL 2026 Mini Auction Details: Date, Time, Purse, Live Streaming Info
The mini-auction in Abu Dhabi on December 16 marks the third consecutive year the event has been staged overseas, following Dubai and Jeddah. Ten franchises will compete to fill 77 remaining slots, including 31 for overseas players, from a shortlisted pool of 369 athletes after late additions.
High-profile names such as Australia's Cameron Green, England's Liam Livingstone, and India's Ravi Bishnoi are anticipated to spark intense bidding wars, with teams holding a combined purse exceeding Rs 237 crore.
With squad building underway, the confirmed dates enable detailed planning for what promises to be another competitive season, as franchises aim to challenge RCB's reign in the world's premier T20 league.
Also Read: “Targets Clear”: Delhi Capitals CEO On Auction Strategy and Squad Strengthening
