Fans expected the Indian Premier League schedule by now, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India has not released it yet. The 19th season should begin in late March and continue until the end of May. With only weeks left, the silence has created curiosity and concern among followers of the tournament.

Why the IPL 2026 Fixtures Are Still Awaited

The delay mainly relates to upcoming Assembly elections in several key states. Assam, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal will conduct polling around the same period as the league. These states host important teams and stadiums. Chennai Super Kings play in Chennai and Kolkata Knight Riders play in Kolkata. Both venues usually hold many matches during the season.

Security arrangements create the biggest challenge. Police forces must handle election duties across cities and rural areas. The same officers normally manage large stadium crowds during IPL games. Authorities cannot handle both responsibilities at the same time. Because of this, organizers want confirmed election dates before fixing match days and venues.

Stadium availability also remains uncertain. Eden Gardens and other grounds may not remain accessible during polling or counting periods. In past seasons, similar issues forced sudden venue changes. This year multiple states hold elections together, which makes planning harder.

The board wants to avoid last minute changes. Teams, broadcasters, and fans all need time to plan travel and logistics. Releasing fixtures too early could create confusion if authorities later block a venue.

Reports suggest the board may announce the schedule in phases. They could reveal a few confirmed matches first and release the rest later. This approach allows flexibility while keeping the tournament timeline intact.

For now, supporters must wait a little longer. Once election dates become clear, the full IPL 2026 calendar should finally arrive.