Devajit Saikia and IPL Trophy (Source:AFP)
The schedule for the first phase of the IPL 2026 has been officially announced, but the tournament has already run into a potential scheduling challenge. The BCCI revealed that the opening phase of the league will run from March 28 to April 12.
The rest of the fixtures for IPL 2026 are expected to be released later after the Election Commission of India confirms dates for several upcoming state assembly elections.
While the first phase includes 20 matches across different venues, concerns have emerged regarding games scheduled in Guwahati, where elections in Assam could coincide with some of the fixtures.
Rajasthan Royals' Guwahati matches under focus
The Rajasthan Royals will play three of their early home matches at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati during the first phase of IPL 2026.
Their first match will be against the Chennai Super Kings on March 30. This will be followed by a clash against the Mumbai Indians on April 7 and another match against the RCB on April 10.
The concern arises because the Assam Assembly elections are scheduled for April 9. The election date sits between two IPL matches scheduled in Guwahati.
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However, the BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has dismissed speculation about moving the matches away from Guwahati.
According to him, discussions with the state government and local police have confirmed that adequate security arrangements will be in place.
Devajit Saikia said he had spoken with the Chief Minister of Assam and the Guwahati Police Commissioner. Both authorities reportedly assured the BCCI that the matches can be conducted without any need for rescheduling.
"There will be no rescheduling of IPL matches in Guwahati in Assam. I have already spoken to the honourable Assam Chief Minister (Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma) and the Guwahati Commissioner of Police, Partha Sarathi Mahanta. Both have assured me that they will manage (to conduct the matches), and there's no need to change (the schedule)," Saikia told the Times of India.
RR Shift early home base for IPL 2026
Another factor behind the Rajasthan Royals playing in Guwahati is the ongoing security audit at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, which is the team’s primary home ground.
The inspection is being carried out in preparation for elections in Rajasthan, making the stadium temporarily unavailable. As a result, the Rajasthan Royals have moved their early home fixtures to Guwahati.
KSCA receives final confirmation for RCB's matches
The IPL 2026 season will begin with a high-profile clash between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28. The venue had earlier been awaiting clearance from authorities due to safety checks.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed that the state government has now given official approval for the matches to be held at the stadium.
"We are pleased to inform that a meeting was held earlier today at Vidhana Soudha under the chairmanship of the Hon'ble Home Minister of Karnataka, Dr. G. Parameshwar, with the Expert Committee and representatives of KSCA, RCB and DNA. During the meeting, the Expert Committee presented its report outlining the preparedness and compliance measures undertaken at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium," the KSCA stated in a media release.
"Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committee and after reviewing the arrangements in detail, the Hon'ble Home Minister has formally accorded approval for the conduct of the upcoming IPL matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru," added the release.
The decision came after a meeting between KSCA officials, an expert committee, and Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwar, who reviewed the safety and infrastructure arrangements.
With approval granted, the opening match of IPL 2026 will proceed as planned in Bengaluru.
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