February 24, 2026 | New Delhi

The countdown to the 19th season of the Indian Premier League has begun, but for the first time in years, fans are refreshing their feeds in vain for a full fixture list. While the IPL 2026 is tentatively set to kick off on March 26, 2026, and conclude on May 31, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is playing a cautious game of “wait and watch.”

The reason? A massive logistical collision between the world’s richest cricket league and the Assembly Elections in five key states: West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry.

The Election Deadlock: Security vs. Sport

Hosting IPL matches requires a colossal security presence, often involving thousands of local police personnel. With polling dates expected to span across April and May, the Election Commission of India (ECI) holds the keys to the IPL schedule.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla recently confirmed:

“We are working on the schedule, but we cannot finalize it until the government announces the polling dates. We want to ensure that the tournament does not disrupt the democratic process or face security shortages in poll-bound states.”

Also Read More: IPL 2026 Latest: MS Dhoni Available for CSK But Limited Games – Chinnaswamy Return After Stampede

Neutral Venues: The Rise of Guwahati and Raipur

Because of these election clashes—and some localized stadium issues—two franchises are preparing to move their “home” bases to neutral ground.

• Rajasthan Royals (RR): In a major breakthrough, the Royals have agreed to split their home games. Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium will host three matches, while Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium will host four. This shift comes after a lengthy standoff regarding stadium infrastructure safety and election-related security in Rajasthan.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): The defending champions are facing a crisis at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Following a tragic stampede during last year’s celebrations, the Karnataka government has imposed strict conditional clearances. Consequently, RCB has conducted a “recce” of Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium, which could serve as a secondary home for at least two high-octane fixtures.

Catch the IPL 2026 Drama: Live on Sports Live Hub (SLH)

Stay ahead of the game with Sports Live Hub (SLH). Whether the matches are in Bengaluru or the heart of Chhattisgarh, SLH is your premium powerhouse for live action.

• Live Streaming: 4K UHD coverage of all 84 IPL matches.
• Schedule Tracker: Real-time updates as soon as the BCCI releases the phased schedule.
• Venue Insights: Exclusive “Pitch Reports” from neutral venues like Guwahati and Raipur.

Also Watch the Livestream: Don’t miss the IPL 2026 Opener on March 26—Stream Live on SLH!

Conclusion

While the “BCCI vs. Elections” saga adds a layer of uncertainty, it also brings the IPL to new corners of India. The potential shift to Guwahati and Raipur is a win for fans in those regions, even if it means RCB and RR lose a bit of their traditional home advantage. As we await the official word from the Election Commission, one thing is certain: IPL 2026 will be a season of adaptation, strategy, and unparalleled excitement.

FAQs: IPL 2026 Schedule & Venue Changes

Q1: Why is the IPL 2026 schedule being released in phases? 

The BCCI is waiting for the official announcement of Assembly Election dates in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to avoid clashing with polling days and security deployments.

Q2: Will RCB play all their home matches in Bengaluru? 

Not necessarily. Due to ongoing safety upgrades and government conditions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB is exploring Raipur as a backup venue for several matches.

Q3: Why are the Rajasthan Royals playing home games in Guwahati? 

The Royals have a long-standing agreement to promote cricket in the Northeast. This year, they will play three “home” games at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati and four in Jaipur.

Q4: When is the IPL 2026 expected to start and end? 

The tournament is expected to run from March 26, 2026, to May 31, 2026.

Q5: Where can I watch IPL 2026 live streaming? 

You can watch every match live with expert analysis and multi-sport insights on Sports Live Hub (SLH).

Disclaimer: The perspectives and evaluations shared throughout this publication are solely the author’s informed interpretations. We encourage readers to think critically, engage with diverse viewpoints, and shape their own data-driven conclusions.

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