Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sources have indicated that the board is waiting for the government to announce the election dates before finalizing the schedule for the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Home Venue Decisions
According to the source, Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been asked to select their home venues by the end of this week. Elections are upcoming across various states in India, but the BCCI is holding off on scheduling until the government confirms the dates for the Assam, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal polls. The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati hosts some home games for the Rajasthan Royals, while the MA Chidambaram Stadium and Eden Gardens serve as home venues for the Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, respectively.
Awaiting Election Dates
“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,” the BCCI source stated.
Karnataka State Cricket Association Update
Last week, the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) received approval to host IPL and international cricket matches at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru again, although this permission is ‘subject to compliance with specific terms and conditions prescribed by the government and concerned authorities.’
Final Decisions from Franchises
“As far as the home venues of RCB and RR are concerned, we have asked the franchises to take a final call and inform us within a week. Once the teams finalize their venues, we will prepare the schedule accordingly. So, at this stage, we are waiting for the teams’ decisions as well as the announcement of the election dates,” the source added.
RCB Venue Considerations
With the state government’s clearance now secured, it will be interesting to see if RCB will play all of its IPL 2026 home games at Chinnaswamy. This consideration comes after RCB vice-president Rajesh Menon met Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai regarding the possibility of playing two games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Naya Raipur.
Rajasthan Royals Venue Challenges
Rajasthan Royals’ home venue issue for IPL 2026 arises from administrative problems within the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA). The BCCI has cautioned the franchise that it may need a backup venue, like Pune’s MCA Stadium, since Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium faces uncertainty due to RCA’s failure to hold elections, which complicates the hosting of matches, despite efforts to retain Jaipur as the venue.
Consequently, the Indian cricketing board is awaiting decisions from RCB and RR regarding their venues before finalizing the IPL schedule.