IPL 2026 dates officially announced; clash with PSL confirmed as PCB left worried
Published - 16 Dec 2025, 10:44 AM
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The countdown to another blockbuster Indian Premier League (IPL) season has already begun, with the next edition locked into its familiar summer window. The IPL 2026 will begin on March 26 and conclude on May 31, promising another long and action-packed ride for fans.
The upcoming IPL 2026 will arrive soon after the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to take place from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka. Players will barely get a three-week break from the international action before shifting focus to the franchise commitments.
IPL 2026 dates confirmed as tournament set to clash with PSL 2026
The scheduling of the IPL 2026 will bring another challenge for the overseas stars. For the second year in a row, the IPL will clash with the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The upcoming PSL 2026 is set to be held from March 26 to May 3.
Read Also: ICC Chairman Jay Shah gifts Lionel Messi a special jersey, bat and T20 World Cup 2026 match ticket
The clash is likely to put overseas players in a tight spot. As reported by Cricbuzz, the schedule update for the upcoming season was shared by IPL CEO Hemang Amin during a briefing held ahead of the mini auction.
As per long-standing IPL tradition, the opening match is usually played in the home city of the defending champions.
RCB's title defence may not start at home as M Chinnaswamy Stadium faces scrutiny
If that pattern is followed again, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) would begin their title defense in the upcoming IPL 2026 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, but its availability is still not certain.
The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has received only conditional approval from the state government to host IPL matches at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The M Chinnaswamy Stadium can only host the matches if it meets strict safety and security measures.
This comes after the tragic stampede on June 4 during RCB’s maiden IPL trophy victory celebrations, where at least 11 people lost their lives. Since that incident, the Karnataka government has remained careful about giving full clearance for large-scale cricket events at the stadium.
IPL Auction 2026 promises high drama in Abu Dhabi
Meanwhile, all 10 IPL teams have already entered a crucial phase of preparation. After finalizing their retained and released players last month, franchises are now focused on the IPL Auction 2026 scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
As many as 369 players have been shortlisted, with only 77 spots up for grabs and 31 reserved for overseas cricketers at the auction. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are heading into the IPL Auction 2026 with 13 vacant positions. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) follow with ten slots to fill.
On the other hand, KKR has the massive purse of INR 64.30 crore, followed by the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) with INR 43.40 crore available to build squad for the upcoming IPL 2026.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) comes third with an INR 25.50 crore purse, followed by Lucknow Super Giants (INR 22.95 crore), Delhi Capitals (INR 21.80 crore), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (INR 16.40 crore), Rajasthan Royals (INR 16.05 crore), Gujarat Titans (INR 12.90 crore), Punjab Kings (INR 11.50 crore), and Mumbai Indians (INR 2.75 crore).
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