Punjab Newsline,Sports:
BCCI Waiting for Election Commission Announcement Before Finalising IPL Calendar
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has stepped up preparations for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), but the final schedule is yet to be announced due to the upcoming state elections. According to BCCI sources, the board is waiting for the Election Commission of India to officially declare the election dates before releasing the full IPL 2026 schedule.
Sources revealed that elections are expected to be held soon in several states, including Assam, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Since these states are key venues for IPL matches, the BCCI wants to ensure that the tournament does not clash with the election process and that security and administrative arrangements remain smooth. Only after the election dates are confirmed will the IPL schedule be finalised.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has directed Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) to take a final decision on their home venues within a week. The board believes that once the franchises confirm their venues, it will be easier to prepare a well-balanced and conflict-free schedule.
RCB have received a major boost after the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) was granted permission to host IPL and international matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, the approval is subject to compliance with specific terms and conditions laid down by the state government and concerned authorities. Adding to the intrigue, RCB vice-president Rajesh Menon recently met Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai regarding the possibility of hosting two IPL matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur. This has sparked speculation over whether RCB will play all their home matches in Bengaluru or split some games across venues.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, are facing uncertainty due to administrative issues within the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). The failure of the RCA to conduct elections has raised concerns over the smooth hosting of matches at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. As a result, the BCCI has warned the franchise to be prepared with a backup option, such as Pune’s MCA Stadium, if the situation does not improve. Despite this, RR are still keen to retain Jaipur as their primary home venue for IPL 2026.
BCCI sources stated that the board is currently waiting for two key developments — the official announcement of election dates and final confirmation of home venues by RCB and RR. Once both aspects are settled, the IPL 2026 schedule will be finalised without delay.
For now, fans will have to wait a little longer, but all indications suggest that the BCCI is working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth, well-organised, and exciting IPL season in 2026.