The wait for IPL 2026 Start Date is almost over. The tournament will now start on March 28, which is two days later than the original plan. The final is scheduled for May 31.

Earlier, the BCCI had informed franchises on December 15, 2025, that the new season would begin on March 26. However, internal discussions have led to a small change in the schedule.

Let’s understand what caused this delay and what else is happening behind the scenes.

Why Was the IPL 2026 Schedule Delayed?

The full schedule has not been announced yet. The main reason is the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.

The election dates in these states have not yet been officially announced. Some IPL teams are based in these regions. So, the board is waiting for confirmation. After that, it will finalise everything.

• Kolkata is home to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
• Chennai is home to Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
• Guwahati (Assam) is the second home venue for Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Because of this, the IPL Governing Council will meet next week. They will decide if they should release the schedule in parts or wait for the Election Commission’s announcement.

Will IPL 2026 Schedule Be Released in Two Phases?

This is not the first time this has happened.

In the past, during elections in India, the Indian Premier League did not release the full schedule at once. Instead, the schedule was shared in two parts.

Now the question is:

👉 Will the same strategy be used for IPL 2026 Start Date?

👉 Or will the board wait for election dates before releasing the full schedule?

A final decision is expected soon.

Where Will RCB Play Their Home Matches?

Another major talking point of IPL 2026 is related to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).

The opening match of the season will feature the defending champions, RCB. However, there is uncertainty about the venue. It is not clear if their home match will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Last year, during RCB’s victory celebrations, a tragic stampede incident led to the death of 11 fans. After that incident, discussions have been ongoing between RCB and the Karnataka State Cricket Association.

Because of safety concerns, RCB has shortlisted a few alternate venues:

• Navi Mumbai
• Raipur
• Pune

The final decision on the venue is still pending.

Abhishek Sharma’s Big Test at Wankhede

While IPL news is trending, another big cricket story is about Abhishek Sharma ahead of the T20 World Cup semi-final against England at Wankhede Stadium.

Abhishek has had a difficult tournament so far. He has scored 80 runs in seven innings, with just one half-century against Zimbabwe. Naturally, there is pressure on him to perform in a big match.

But there is also something special about Wankhede for him.

The Night Abhishek Destroyed England

On February 2, 2025, at this same ground, Abhishek played one of the best innings of his career.

He attacked bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood without fear. It did not matter whether the ball was coming at 145 kph or 152 kph — his plan was simple: play aggressive cricket.

He scored:

• 17-ball fifty (second-fastest by an Indian batter at that time)
• 135 runs off 54 balls
• Multiple sixes against Archer, Wood, and Adil Rashid

England’s captain kept changing bowlers, but nothing worked that night. India won the match by 150 runs.

Why Is This Semi-Final Different?

He averages close to 40. His strike rate is above 200, which is very impressive. He has hit 93 sixes since the 2024 T20 World Cup — the most by any batter in that period.

Still, World Cup pressure is different.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir said World Cups are very tough, as teams do not get a second chance. In bilateral series, players get time to recover. In knockout games, every match feels like a final.

Opposition teams have also adjusted their strategy:

• Starting with off-spinners against left-handers
• Using slower balls early in the innings
• Building pressure in powerplay overs

For a young player like Abhishek, this is new territory.

Can One Big Shot Change Everything?

Abhishek is only 25 and playing in his first World Cup. It is possible that the stage has overwhelmed him.

But sometimes, one confident shot can change everything.

At Wankhede, where he once played a fearless innings, all he may need is one six to get back into rhythm.

Cricket is often about self-belief. If Abhishek finds that clarity again, he could turn the game around.

Final Thoughts

IPL 2026 Start Date on March 28 and end on May 31. However, talks about the election schedule and match venues are still going on.

At the same time, players like Abhishek Sharma are facing tough challenges. They are finding it hard to perform well at the international level.

For cricket fans, the coming months promise high drama — both in the IPL and in global tournaments.