The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized the schedule for the 19th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL 2026 season dates are set from March 26 to May 31. IPL CEO Hemang Amin conveyed this to the franchises ahead of the mini-auction in Abu Dhabi today.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are slated to play the opening match. However, uncertainty looms over whether their home games will be held at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka government has granted conditional permission following a stampede during last season’s title celebrations.
The Abu Dhabi mini-auction sees 10 franchises competing to fill 77 slots from a pool of 359 players, including 31 overseas cricketers. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have the most slots to fill (13), followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with 10. Australia’s all-rounder Cameron Green is the top attraction, with predictions of a record bid exceeding ₹25 crore. Significant spending is also expected on players like Liam Livingstone and Ravi Bishnoi.
Key Points from the IPL 2026 Auction
The auction dynamics are intense. Franchises are strategically targeting specific gaps in their squads. The high demand for versatile all-rounders like Cameron Green underscores the premium placed on multi-skilled players in the T20 format. The outcome of this auction will set the tone for the entire IPL 2026 season dates.
FAQs: IPL 2026 season dates: IPL 2026 Schedule and Auction
Q1: When does IPL 2026 start?
A1: The IPL 2026 season dates are from March 26 to May 31.
Q2: Where is the 2026 mini-auction being held?
A2: The mini-player auction is being held in Abu Dhabi.
Q3: Which team has the most slots to fill in the auction?
A3: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) need to fill 13 slots, the highest among all teams.
Conclusion: IPL 2026 season dates
Cricket fans can mark their calendars as the IPL 2026 season dates are officially announced, promising two months of high-octane action. The Abu Dhabi auction will be crucial in shaping the teams for what is expected to be another thrilling edition of the world’s premier T20 league. The focus now shifts to team strategies and player acquisitions for the upcoming IPL 2026 season dates.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Team compositions and schedules are subject to change as per official BCCI announcements.
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