IPL set to launch in two-phase schedule; Bengaluru likely to host opener final

New Delhi: The Indian Premier League Governing Council has approved the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026, which is expected to be officially announced on March 6 or 7, Cricbuzz reported.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The decision was taken at Monday’s online GC meeting, where it was decided that the Season 19 schedule will be released in two phases. The first set of fixtures, covering roughly 13 to 14 days of kickoff, is likely to be announced later this week.

According to the same report, the tournament opener will be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Royal Challengers Bangalore confirmed on Tuesday that they will play five home matches at the venue. As per tradition, the defending champions will host the opener, and the conference looks set to continue. Karnataka Cricket Association general secretary Santosh Menon also confirmed that the Chinnaswamy Stadium will host the playoffs and finals.While RCB’s opening opponent is yet to be finalized, an earlier report by Cricbuzz suggested that the start of the season could be slightly delayed, with March 28 or 29 being the likely date. As previously announced, the finals are scheduled to take place on May 31st.In a recent communication with the franchises, BCCI acting CEO and IPL COO Hemang Amin said that practice session guidelines will be shared next week. The team was also informed that overseas players’ No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) will be issued collectively in the coming days.The delay in releasing the full schedule is related to the fact that dates for the assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu are yet to be announced. With limited time before the start of the season, the BCCI has opted for a staggered release – a strategy previously adopted in election years.