IPL 2026 Window Revealed: The Indian Premier League is gearing up for another blockbuster chapter, with a report revealing that IPL 2026 will be played from March 26 to May 31.
The dates for the upcoming season have reportedly been shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with all ten franchises ahead of the much-anticipated player auction.
The information was conveyed during a franchise briefing led by Hemang Amin, the league’s Chief Development Officer, just a day before teams assemble in Abu Dhabi to reshape their squads.
Champions RCB to Launch the Tournament
The 19th edition of the IPL is expected to begin with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who will enter the season as defending champions. While the opening match date is locked in, questions remain about where RCB will host their home games.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is yet to receive final clearance following safety concerns that emerged after a tragic stampede during the team’s title celebrations earlier this year.
Although the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) has reportedly secured conditional approval from the state government, matches at the venue will depend on strict compliance with enhanced crowd-management and security measures.
Abu Dhabi Gears Up for Another IPL Auction
Even before a ball is bowled, the spotlight is firmly on the IPL 2026 auction, scheduled to take place at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. This marks the third straight season in which the IPL auction will be conducted overseas, underlining the league’s expanding global footprint.
On Monday night, the BCCI reportedly updated the auction list by adding 19 more players at the last moment. Among the notable inclusions are Abhimanyu Easwaran, New Zealand fast bowler Ben Sears, and South African all-rounder Ethan Bosch, giving franchises additional options to fill key gaps.
Star Players Expected to Spark Bidding Wars
Several marquee names are set to command attention as teams look to assemble title-winning combinations. Cameron Green, Liam Livingstone, and Ravi Bishnoi are expected to be among the most sought-after players at the auction.
Green, in particular, is tipped to attract massive bids, with expectations that his price could cross ₹25 crore, driven by the premium placed on quality all-rounders in a mini-auction environment. Other players likely to see strong demand include Jamie Smith, Matt Henry, Tim Seifert, David Miller, and Sri Lanka’s pace sensation Matheesha Pathirana, who was released by Chennai Super Kings ahead of the auction.
Squad Vacancies and Player Pool Snapshot
Across the league, franchises have 77 slots available, including 31 for overseas cricketers.
- Kolkata Knight Riders top the list with 13 vacancies
- Sunrisers Hyderabad follow with 10 openings
From an initial registration list of over 1,300 players, the final shortlist stands at 359 cricketers, comprising 244 Indians and 115 overseas players. A total of 40 players have entered the auction at the highest base price of ₹2 crore, with only Ravi Bishnoi and Venkatesh Iyer representing India in that bracket.
Excitement Builds Ahead of a Crucial Season
With confirmed dates, unresolved venue decisions, and a high-stakes auction around the corner, IPL 2026 is already building momentum. As franchises prepare to invest heavily in fresh talent and fans count down to the opening match on March 26, the upcoming season promises intense competition, big-money moves, and another unforgettable summer of T20 cricket.
Also Read: IPL Auction Host Cities: From Mumbai in 2008 to Abu Dhabi in 2026—Full Timeline Revealed
When will IPL 2026 start and end?
IPL 2026 is expected to begin on March 26 and conclude with the final on May 31, as per reports shared with franchises by the BCCI.
Who will play the opening match of IPL 2026?
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are likely to feature in the opening match of the tournament, although the opponent is yet to be officially confirmed.
Where will the IPL 2026 auction take place?
The IPL 2026 auction is scheduled to be held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, marking the third consecutive time the auction is being hosted outside India.