The tournament is scheduled to run from March 28, 2026, to May 31, 2026. This timeline follows a slight adjustment from earlier plans (originally March 26 start), allowing a buffer after the 2026 Men's T20 World Cup. Star Sports, the official broadcaster, confirmed the start date recently, building massive anticipation among fans.

Start Date: March 28, 2026

Opening Match: Expected to take place at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)—the defending champions—likely featuring prominently in the opener.

Final: Set for May 31, 2026, also potentially hosted in Bengaluru, as per reports indicating the city will handle both the opening ceremony and the grand finale.

Total Matches: 84 matches in total, following the established format with 10 teams in a double round-robin league stage, leading to playoffs (Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and Final).

The full detailed IPL 2026 schedule (including exact fixtures, venues, timings, and match-ups) has not been fully released yet by the BCCI. The IPL Governing Council has approved a two-phase release plan for the fixtures, with the first phase expected soon—possibly in early March 2026—once logistical issues like state assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu are clarified. Fans can check the official IPL website (iplt20.com) or BCCI platforms for updates, live scores, and the complete timetable once announced.

Teams and Format

The 10 competing teams remain the same:

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Delhi Capitals (DC)

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Mumbai Indians (MI)

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

RCB enters as defending champions after their breakthrough title win in the previous season. The league will follow the standard format: each team plays others twice (home and away), accumulating points toward the playoffs.

Broadcast and Viewing

Matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports networks in India, with digital streaming available on platforms like JioCinema or Hotstar (depending on regional rights). Global viewers can tune in via official IPL partners.

Cricket enthusiasts, especially RCB supporters and those tracking stars like Virat Kohli, are eagerly awaiting the full IPL match schedule 2026 and the first match details. The season is set to deliver thrilling encounters, big auctions aftermath, and intense rivalries—stay tuned for official announcements from the BCCI! 🏏🔥