NEW DELHI: The schedule for the Indian Premier League 2026 is subject to the announcement of election dates in several states, as the BCCI aims to avoid any clash with poll-bound states, vice-president Rajeev Shukla confirmed on Wednesday.
"We are working on the IPL schedule, but we are still awaiting the government's announcement of the election dates. Once those dates are confirmed, we will be able to draw up a schedule that does not disrupt the election process or clash with matches in the poll-bound states, ensuring smooth conduct of both," Shukla told IANS.
Elections are scheduled across multiple states, and the BCCI is closely monitoring announcements in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal.
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The uncertainty directly impacts key venues, including Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, which hosts some Rajasthan Royals home matches, as well as Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium and Kolkata's Eden Gardens, home grounds of Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively.
Shukla further stated that the Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been asked to finalise and confirm their home venues at the earliest.
"As far as the home venues of RCB and RR are concerned, we have asked the franchises to take a final call and inform us within a week. Once the teams finalise their venues, we will prepare the schedule accordingly. So, at this stage, we are waiting for the teams' decisions as well as the announcement of the election dates," he added.
After months of uncertainty, the Karnataka State Cricket Association on Saturday received permission from the state Home Department to host international and IPL matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
All cricket activities were halted at the Chinnaswamy after 11 fans were killed in a stampede outside the venue during RCB's IPL trophy celebrations last year.
