INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE (IPL) is expected to run from 26 March to 31 May, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to release the official schedule.
A BCCI official indicated that assembly election timetables and vote-counting dates across several states have complicated planning. Matches that clash with polling duties could face security shortages, forcing organisers to shift venues and restructure team travel arrangements. The board is therefore awaiting formal confirmation from authorities before finalising the fixtures.
“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 some clarity on the dates. 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,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.
Upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam are among the main concerns, as state security forces will be deployed for polling duties. Potential clashes could particularly affect teams such as the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) also face uncertainty due to administrative issues involving the Rajasthan Cricket Association, prompting discussions about moving their home matches to Pune.
Additionally, several IPL venues are currently in use for preparations related to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Stadiums in Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, and Ahmedabad will require preparation time before IPL matches can begin.
