IPL 2026: March 26-May 31; Auction Kicks Off in Abu Dhabi

• IPL 2026 is set to commence on March 26 and conclude on May 31, continuing its traditional slot in the cricket calendar.
• The 2026 IPL season will overlap with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the second consecutive year.
• An IPL auction is scheduled for December 16 in Abu Dhabi, with 369 players shortlisted for 77 available slots.
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have the highest number of vacancies (13) and the largest remaining purse (INR 64.30 crore) for the auction.
• IPL 2025 saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru win the title, but the season was marked by a stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium, leading to 11 deaths and the stadium being declared unfit.

Why It Matters: IPL 2026 dates are set, creating a direct overlap with the Pakistan Super League.