The BCCI has announced that the 2026 IPL

The BCCI has announced that the 2026 IPL will commence on March 28, 2026, with a season-opening match between champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Key developments include a proposed expansion to 84 matches and concerns over injuries impacting major overseas players like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins. Schedule & Structure: The tournament starts on March 28, 2026, with the first phase spanning from March 28 to April 12, covering 20 matches. Format Changes: The 2026 and 2027 seasons are set to expand, featuring 84 matches in total. Venues: Matches will be held across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. Player News: Rishabh Pant is considered under high pressure due to his high acquisition cost, while many key international players are dealing with injuries ahead of the tournament. Retirement Rumors: Former teammate Robin Uthappa suggested this could be MS Dhoni's final season, with a potential player-mentor role, Impact on Schedule: Due to upcoming state elections in India, the final full schedule will be announced in phases. Legality: The Kerala High Court dismissed a PIL challenging the IPL's legitimacy, allowing operations to proceed normally, reports The Times of India.