IPL 2026 update: BCCI addresses war tensions

• IPL 2026’s first 20 games are scheduled to begin March 28.
• BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla confirms the tournament will proceed, despite Middle East conflict and LPG shortages.
• Remaining IPL 2026 games’ schedule depends on state election dates, per BCCI.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently released the schedule for the IPL 2026 for the first 20 games. The tournament is expected to start

on March 28 with the final scheduled on April 12. However, with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran, things can go in jeopardy.

The war has already affected the flight operations and increased the logistical challenges for the overseas players who are scheduled to play in the tournament. Earlier, the departure of the West Indies and South African cricket teams from India after their World Cup campaign was delayed due to the war, and now the same can potentially affect the smooth running of the new season of IPL.

To add to the worries, India is facing a severe shortage of LPG due to the ongoing war. This has created a shortage in several hotels across India, which will have a direct impact on the IPL.

Will IPL 2026 Be Postponed?

With so many problems lurking around the corner, fans have been worried about whether the tournament will start on time. However, addressing the speculations, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla confirmed that the tournament will start on time. According to a report by the Times of India, the BCCI Vice-President confirmed that the tournament will start on time regardless of the conflict.

Shukla further said that the schedule for the tournament was released for 20 games, while the schedule for the rest of the games will be released after the Election Commission releases state election dates.

"IPL will be held as per schedule. We have released the schedule for 20 matches. The schedule for remaining matches will be released after the Election Commission announces the dates for states going to the election," Shukla said.

Meanwhile, as reported by The Times of India, a BCCI source said the situation is serious but still under control. "Till now, conditions are under control; none of the hotels, airlines, and other related departments have shown any concern, but BCCI and IPL are keeping a close eye on it," the source added.