Due to uncertainty surrounding the State Assembly election dates and with the limited time left before the start of the competition, the BCCI has decided to release the matches in two phases, according to Cricbuzz. This is a practice that has been used in previous election years, with the first phase covering approximately the first two weeks of the tournament.
In a recent communication to franchises, BCCI CEO and acting IPL COO Hemang Amin indicated that the practice session schedules were yet to be finalized and would be shared next week. The notice also stated that the No Objection Certificates for Foreign Players (NOC) would be shared together in the coming days. The BCCI is still waiting for the Occupation Standards Classification for Australia [OSCA] from CA (Cricket Australia) and individual player NOCs from CSA (Cricket South Africa). These documents, once received, would be forwarded to the BCCI in a single email.
The franchises were also informed that the delay in announcing the schedule for the 2026 season of the IPL was due to the impending announcement by the Election Commission regarding the election dates in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu. It was also suggested that details of the captains’ meeting ahead of the tournament be shared next week.
Bengaluru will host the IPL final
Following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s announcement regarding hosting five matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the season opener is expected to be held there as it is the home ground of the defending champions. Karnataka State Cricket Association secretary Santosh Menon later announced at a press conference that Bengaluru would host a playoff match and also the final of the tournament.
While the matches are yet to be completed, the start of the IPL could be pushed back by two days. The tournament is now likely to start on March 28 and 29, while the finals are still expected to take place on May 31.
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