Virat Kohli after winning the IPL trophy (Source: AFP Photos)
In a significant development, the BCCI has finally confirmed the start date of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). While there were multiple reports on the exact date of cricket’s biggest carnival’s commencement, the Star Sports, the official broadcaster of IPL, announced that it all will begin on March 28.
While the full IPL 2026 schedule is yet to be revealed, it is now confirmed that when the curtain raiser will take place. More significantly, the development came a few minutes before the high-voltage T20 World Cup final, the fixture where India will take on New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Save The Date: March 28, IPL 2026!
Just when all the focus was around the T20 World Cup final, Star Sports took to social media to announce the news, captioning: “Announcement Get ready! #TATAIPL2026 is all set to start from the 28th of MARCH!”
In all likelihood, Chinnaswamy will host the opening game of IPL 2026, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on last season’s runner-ups, Punjab Kings (PBKS), to kick off cricket’s biggest extravaganza.
Also Read: Forgotten Pakistan Opener Falls Cheaply In National T20 Cup Clash
Moreover, Chinnaswamy is slated to have the IPL 2026 final as well, along with having five home games for RCB and another Playoff match, barring the final. Of course, nothing is yet to be officially announced, as the BCCI is yet to unveil the full schedule.
IPL To Have Two-Phase Schedule Releases
Earlier, it was confirmed that there will be a two-phase announcement on the IPL 2026 schedule, with the first phase already being cleared by the Governing Council of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Keeping the Assembly Elections in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu in mind, the IPL governing council is delaying the unveiling of the schedule for the upcoming edition, though the delay is not too long as things stand.
What Happened In IPL 2025?
IPL 2025 also had disruptions, with tensions between India and Pakistan, out of nowhere, suspending the tournament for a week. Eventually, the RCB won the title, winning the prestigious trophy after 18 long years. Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, finished as the runner-ups, with Krunal Pandya winning the Player Of The Match award to help RCB register a six-run victory.
During the league phase, RCB finished on the second place on IPL 2025 points table, while Punjab Kings topped the chart with nine wins in 14 matches. RCB too had nine victories, as did Gujarat Titans, who were third on the list. Mumbai Indians were the last team to enter the playoffs, having won eight out of 14 attempts.
IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had a horrible campaign last year, with five wins in 14 games, which took them to eighth on the points table when the league stage ended. Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings finished below them, on ninth and tenth places respectively.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Mobbed, Serious Security Situation Arises On 1st Day Of IPL 2026 Practice
