BCCI Releases Fresh IPL 2026 Schedule (Source: AP Photos)
The BCCI released the IPL 2026 schedule in two phases due to the elections in several parts of India. The schedule for the first phase was announced on March 12, and the second phase matches and venues were revealed on March 26, two days before the start of the competition.
Now, in the middle of the IPL 2026, with 20 matches over, the IPL governing body has made further changes in the schedule, with CSK and GT getting hampered in the latest tweaks made by the governing council.
GT-CSK IPL 2026 fixtures swapped
In the latest development, the BCCI made changes to the two IPL fixtures between CSK and GT. The afternoon fixture between the two sides on April 26, which was originally scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, will now be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Moreover, the reverse contest (May 21), which was to be held at Chepauk, will now take place in Ahmedabad at 7:30 PM IST. The changes have been made keeping in mind the municipal corporation election in Ahmedabad, and other parts of Gujarat on April 26.
Also Read: BCCI Ruthlessly Punishes RCB’s Tim David; Hardik Pandya Penalised For His Actions
Not the first time IPL schedule witnessed tweaks
Normally, the entire IPL schedule is announced in one go; however, there was a change in 2026 as the IPL fixtures were released in two phases (phase 1 and phase 2). The fixtures for the first 20 games were revealed on March 12, and the remaining schedule was announced two days before the start of the competition.
There was a reason why this change was made by the BCCI. Several parts of the country witnessed elections, mainly West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. Former IPL champions, KKR play their matches in Kolkata (West Bengal), while CSK play their home games in Chennai (Tamil Nadu). Meanwhile, RR have played their home games in Assam this season.
With the elections taking place, states would have required heavy security, and if the IPL matches had taken place in the same place, it would have been difficult to provide ample security in stadiums. As a result, the IPL schedule was tweaked and revealed in two parts.
Interestingly, the IPL 2026 playoff venues are yet to be announced by the BCCI.
How GT and CSK have fared in IPL 2026 so far
The two teams affected by the schedule change, GT and CSK, have witnessed different journeys in the ongoing season. GT, the consistent team of the IPL have played some quality brand of cricket, while the same cannot be said about the Super Kings.
The Shubman Gill-led franchise has won two games, and lost an equal number of matches, as they have 4 points, and they currently sit at fifth position.
On the other hand, CSK lost three back-to-back contests, and all three were one-sided matches as the side failed to deliver the goods initially. However, it was against the Delhi Capitals that CSK turned their fortunes to open their account in the league.
Currently, the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side sits at 9th position, just above the Knight Riders.
Also Read: MS Dhoni Not Alone! Indian Legends Who Have Become Burden On Their IPL Franchises
