The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice president, Rajeev Shukla, mentioned that the BCCI is waiting for the government to announce the election dates before finalizing the schedule for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Shukla also noted that Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been requested to decide on their home venue by the week’s end.
Elections are set to take place in various states in India, but the BCCI is holding off on finalizing the IPL schedule until the government declares the dates for polls in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati hosts some of the Rajasthan Royals’ home games, while the MA Chidambaram Stadium and Eden Gardens are the home venues for the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively.
Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI vice president, stated, “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.”
Last week, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) received approval to host IPL and international cricket matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, subject to specific terms and conditions. Shukla added, “As far as the home venues of RCB and RR are concerned, we have asked the franchises to make a final decision and inform us within a week. Once the teams confirm their venues, we will prepare the schedule accordingly.”
With the state government’s clearance, the focus now shifts to whether RCB will play all its IPL 2026 home games in Chinnaswamy, especially after a meeting between RCB’s vice-president Rajesh Menon and Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai regarding games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur.
The Rajasthan Royals’ home venue issue for IPL 2026 arises from administrative challenges within the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). The BCCI has cautioned the franchise about the need for a backup venue, such as Pune’s MCA Stadium, due to uncertainties surrounding Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium. The BCCI is waiting for RCB and RR to finalize their venues before confirming the IPL schedule.
