The IPL 2026 will run from March 26 to May 31, beginning three weeks after the T20 World Cup. Defending champions RCB are set to open the season, though venue clearance remains pending. The tournament overlaps with the PSL, ensuring a packed cricket calendar and another thrilling edition of India’s premier league.
India’s Biggest Cricket Festival Returns
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held between March 26 and May 31, 2026. This announcement sets the stage for the 19th season of the world’s most popular T20 franchise league, promising over two months of high-octane cricket action.
Key Highlights
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Tournament Window: IPL 2026 will begin on March 26 and conclude with the final on May 31, maintaining its traditional late-March to end-May slot.
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Global Context: The season will kick off three weeks after the men’s T20 World Cup (Feb 7–Mar 8, 2026), hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka.
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PSL Overlap: For the second consecutive year, IPL will overlap with the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scheduled from March 26 to May 3, 2026.
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Franchise Preparations: Ahead of the season, franchises are gearing up for the player auction in Abu Dhabi, with over 350 players shortlisted for bidding.
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Opening Match: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are expected to feature in the season opener, though uncertainty remains over the availability of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium due to safety clearances.
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Recent Champions: RCB lifted their maiden IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final at Ahmedabad.
Why It Matters
The IPL’s fixed calendar window ensures global visibility and commercial stability, while its overlap with the PSL highlights the growing competition among franchise leagues. For fans, IPL 2026 promises another blockbuster season, with marquee players, packed stadiums, and intense rivalries.
Sources: The Hans India, Sportstar (The Hindu)Sportstar, The Hindu Business Line, ESPNcricinfoESPNcricinfo, Times of India