The Indian Premier League 2026 schedule has faced a new challenge after the announcement of Assam state election dates. With Guwahati set to host several matches in the early phase of the tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is working with local authorities to ensure the games go ahead smoothly.
Rajasthan Royals are scheduled to play three home matches in Guwahati during the first phase of the season. These matches fall close to the election period, which has raised questions about scheduling and security arrangements.
Assam Elections Create Scheduling Concerns
Assam will hold its state assembly election on April 9. At the same time, Guwahati’s Barsapara Cricket Stadium is scheduled to host three IPL matches involving Rajasthan Royals.
Because several states are going through election periods, the IPL organizers have released only the first phase of the schedule so far. The rest of the fixtures are expected to be announced after the election process is completed.
Security and logistical planning are important during elections, which is why sports events sometimes require adjustments.
Rajasthan Royals Home Matches in Guwahati
Rajasthan Royals will host three matches at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati during the early stage of the tournament.
| Match | Opponent | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Chennai Super Kings | March 30 | Guwahati |
| Match 2 | Mumbai Indians | April 7 | Guwahati |
| Match 3 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | April 10 | Guwahati |
Officials have said these matches are expected to take place as planned.
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Local Authorities Assure Security
Cricket administrators have confirmed that security arrangements will be in place for the matches in Guwahati.
Local police and the state government have assured the cricket board that they will manage both election duties and IPL security without disrupting the tournament.
Guwahati has hosted IPL matches in recent seasons and the venue is prepared to handle large crowds and match operations.
Why Elections Affect Sports Scheduling
Large sporting events like the IPL require strong security arrangements and coordination with local authorities.
During election periods, police and security forces must manage several responsibilities such as protecting polling stations, transporting electronic voting machines and maintaining law and order.
Because Assam shares an international border, security forces also stay alert during the election period.
These factors make scheduling sports events during elections more complex.
Rajasthan Royals’ Schedule Beyond Guwahati
Apart from the matches in Guwahati, Rajasthan Royals will also play games at their traditional home ground in Jaipur.
The Sawai Mansingh Stadium is currently undergoing a routine security audit before hosting IPL matches.
After the Guwahati phase, Rajasthan Royals are expected to play several away matches in mid-April, which will involve travel across multiple cities.
What Happens Next With the IPL 2026 Schedule
The complete IPL schedule for the remaining matches will likely be announced after the election period ends.
Elections are also scheduled in other states such as West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. However, those dates are not expected to directly clash with IPL matches.
With the tournament expanding to 84 matches, the BCCI has to carefully plan security, travel and stadium availability across different cities.
For now, Rajasthan Royals are set to begin their Guwahati matches as planned while the board continues coordinating with local authorities to keep the tournament running smoothly.
