GOVERNING COUNCIL (GC) of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has formally approved the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, which is expected to be announced on 6 or 7 March. According to Cricbuzz, the GC met virtually and decided to release the Season 19 fixtures in two stages, with the opening set likely to be unveiled later this week.
The season opener is expected to take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. In keeping with tradition, the defending champions are set to host the opening fixture. Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary Santosh Menon has also confirmed that the Bengaluru venue will stage a playoff match as well as the tournament final.
In a recent communication to franchises, Hemang Amin, acting CEO of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and IPL COO, informed teams that practice session guidelines would be circulated next week. Franchises were also advised that No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas players would be issued collectively in the coming days. The Occupation Standards Classification for Australia (OSCA) document is to be obtained from Cricket Australia, along with individual NOCs from South Africa, and both are to be forwarded together to the BCCI in a single email upon receipt.
Franchises were further told that the full schedule has been delayed pending the Election Commission’s announcement of poll dates for West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu. Details regarding the pre-season captains’ meeting are expected to be shared next week.
With no clarity yet on when the State Assembly election timetable will be declared and the season fast approaching, the BCCI has opted to follow the precedent set in previous election years by releasing the fixtures in two phases. The first phase of IPL 2026 is expected to cover the opening 13 to 14 days of the tournament.
