Firstly, fans eagerly wait for the complete IPL 2026 schedule announcement, however fresh updates now bring clarity on the remaining fixtures, currently BCCI has released the first phase schedule, this phase includes 20 matches between March 28 and April 12, meanwhile fans still await the remaining matches list, however reports suggest that BCCI may release the full schedule by March 26
Match count clarity emerges
No increase in total matches
Earlier, discussions suggested an increase to 80 matches this season, however Cricbuzz reports now reject that possibility clearly, currently only 20 matches have official confirmation, meanwhile 54 remaining matches still await schedule release
Why BCCI delayed full schedule
Elections impacted planning
Initially, BCCI released only partial fixtures due to elections, several states had upcoming assembly elections at that time, therefore authorities waited for election date announcements, now election schedules have become clear, hence BCCI can finalize match dates and venues accordingly
States affecting match planning
Key states and restricted dates
Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Assam will host IPL matches, however matches will not take place on voting days, specifically Guwahati will not host games on April 9, similarly Chennai will not host matches on April 23, also Kolkata will not host matches on April 23 and April 29, meanwhile election processes will conclude by March 29, additionally vote counting will happen on May 4
Rajasthan Royals home match plan
Two venues for home games
Rajasthan Royals will split home matches across two venues, initially the team will play three matches in Guwahati ACA Stadium, later the team will likely shift to Jaipur stadium, Sawai Mansingh Stadium will host remaining home matches, however final confirmation will come with full schedule release
Secondary venue role
Meanwhile, Guwahati will serve as a secondary home ground, however Jaipur will remain the primary venue for the team
Tournament timeline confirmed
Start and final dates
The tournament will begin on March 28, finally the championship match will take place on May 31, now attention remains fixed on March 26, on this date BCCI may release the remaining 54 matches schedule
