The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is back with bigger excitement, more matches, and intense rivalries. As the 19th edition of IPL, this season promises thrilling cricket action, star players, and electrifying stadium atmospheres across India.
From match schedules and venues to teams and key dates, here’s your complete guide to IPL 2026.
Complete Guide to IPL 2026: Key Dates, Match Schedule
- Tournament Start Date: 28 March 2026
- Final Match Date: 31 May 2026
- Total Matches: 84 matches
- Opening Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Playoffs Start: Around 26 May 2026
The tournament runs for over two months, delivering non-stop cricket entertainment.
| Match No. | Date | Match | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 Mar 2026 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs RCB | 7:30 PM |
| 2 | 29 Mar 2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians | 7:30 PM |
| 3 | 30 Mar 2026 | Chennai Super Kings vs Rajasthan Royals | 7:30 PM |
| 4 | 31 Mar 2026 | Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings | 7:30 PM |
| 5 | 1 Apr 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Lucknow Super Giants | 7:30 PM |
| 6 | 2 Apr 2026 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs KKR | 7:30 PM |
| 7 | 3 Apr 2026 | Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings | 7:30 PM |
| 8 | 4 Apr 2026 | Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals | 3:30 PM |
| 9 | 4 Apr 2026 | Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans | 7:30 PM |
| 10 | 5 Apr 2026 | Lucknow Super Giants vs SRH | 3:30 PM |
| 11 | 5 Apr 2026 | Chennai Super Kings vs RCB | 7:30 PM |
| 12 | 6 Apr 2026 | Punjab Kings vs KKR | 7:30 PM |
| 13 | 7 Apr 2026 | Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals | 7:30 PM |
| 14 | 8 Apr 2026 | Gujarat Titans vs Delhi Capitals | 7:30 PM |
| 15 | 9 Apr 2026 | Lucknow Super Giants vs KKR | 7:30 PM |
| 16 | 10 Apr 2026 | RCB vs Rajasthan Royals | 7:30 PM |
| 17 | 11 Apr 2026 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings | 3:30 PM |
| 18 | 11 Apr 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings | 7:30 PM |
| 19 | 12 Apr 2026 | Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants | 3:30 PM |
| 20 | 12 Apr 2026 | RCB vs Mumbai Indians | 7:30 PM |
The IPL 2026 schedule has been released in phases due to elections, with the first phase (March 28 – April 12) already announced.
Key Schedule Highlights:
- First match in Bengaluru
- Multiple double-headers (afternoon & evening matches)
- Matches start at:
- 3:30 PM IST (Afternoon)
- 7:30 PM IST (Evening)
IPL 2026 Teams List
A total of 10 teams are competing in IPL 2026:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Gujarat Titans (GT)
These teams feature top international and Indian players, making IPL one of the most competitive leagues globally.
IPL 2026 Venues
IPL 2026 matches are being held across major cities in India:
- Bengaluru – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Mumbai – Wankhede Stadium
- Ahmedabad – Narendra Modi Stadium
- Chennai – MA Chidambaram Stadium
- Kolkata – Eden Gardens
- Delhi – Arun Jaitley Stadium
- Hyderabad – Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
- Lucknow – Ekana Stadium
- Guwahati – ACA Stadium
- New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) – PCA Stadium
Additional venues include Dharamshala and Raipur for select matches.
IPL 2026 Format
- 10 teams play in a round-robin format
- Each team plays multiple matches (home & away)
- Top 4 teams qualify for playoffs
- Playoffs include:
- Qualifier 1
- Eliminator
- Qualifier 2
- Final
This format ensures fair competition and maximum excitement.
What Makes IPL 2026 Special?
- More matches (84 games) = more action
- Star-studded squads with global players
- High-stakes rivalries like:
- MI vs CSK
- RCB vs KKR
- New venues like New Chandigarh & Guwahati
IPL continues to be the world’s biggest T20 league, attracting millions of viewers globally.
Where to Watch IPL?
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar (Digital platforms)
FAQs
1. When does IPL start?
IPL 2026 begins on 28 March 2026.
2. When is the IPL final?
The final is scheduled for 31 May 2026.
3. How many teams are playing in IPL?
A total of 10 teams are participating.
4. How many matches will be played?
There will be 84 matches in IPL 2026.
5. Where will the opening match be held?
At M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
6. What are the match timings?
- Afternoon: 3:30 PM IST
- Evening: 7:30 PM IST
7. Which cities are hosting IPL matches?
Major cities include Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, and more.
8. Where can I check the full schedule?
You can check it on the official IPL website or sports platforms.
Final Thoughts
IPL is set to deliver another blockbuster season filled with excitement, rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re watching from the stadium or at home, this season promises non-stop entertainment for every cricket fan.
Get ready for sixes, wickets, and pure IPL madness!