The wait for the IPL 2026 schedule is finally coming to an end. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that the fixtures for the 19th edition will be announced on Thursday, March 12. Many fans expected the schedule to be revealed during the T20 World Cup final, but the board delayed the announcement slightly to complete some logistical arrangements. The new IPL season is set to start on March 28. BCCI will release the schedule for the first 20 days of the tournament as part of a two-phase plan.

The BCCI has decided to follow a two-phase plan for the 2026 season. According to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, the announcement on Thursday will only include the schedule for the first 20 days of the tournament.

“We plan to announce the IPL 2026 schedule by March 12. For now, we will release the schedule for the first 20 days,” the secretary said while speaking to the news agency IANS.

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Teams Begin Preparations Ahead of IPL 2026 Season

According to some reports, the partial release of the IPL 2026 schedule will help the governing council stay flexible. They are watching the situation in West Asia, which could affect travel for overseas players. The board is also considering the upcoming assembly elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry.

At the same time, many teams have already started their pre-season training. Five-time champions Chennai Super Kings began their practice on March 1 at their High-Performance Centre in Navalur. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and MS Dhoni were present during the training.

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is expected to host the opening match, an important playoff match, and the final of IPL 2026. The opening match will be special for the stadium as it will be the first major cricket match there since the tragic Bengaluru stampede that caused 11 deaths and many injuries. Earlier reports said the delay in announcing the schedule happened because of venue discussions between franchises and state associations, along with tensions in West Asia. The 19th season of the IPL is set to start on March 28.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru held a small training camp at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 10. The 2022 champions Gujarat Titans, also had two practice sessions at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara.

Punjab Kings trained in Abu Dhabi in early February and are now running a camp in Dharamsala. The 2016 champions, Sunrisers Hyderabad, started their training on March 1 with their domestic players. Five-time winners Mumbai Indians have also begun preparing for the new season.

Rajasthan Royals, the winners of the first IPL in 2008, are expected to start their training camp in Jaipur from March 15. Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their pre-season camp on March 18. Delhi Capitals recently held a camp in Hyderabad and may organize another one in New Delhi. Lucknow Super Giants have also held a practice session in Lucknow for the upcoming season.