The IPL 2026 schedule is out, and it opens with a blockbuster. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru face Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Bengaluru hosts the first ball of the season and the last, with the final returning to the same ground on May 31.
Ten teams, 84 matches, two months of T20 cricket. The BCCI has confirmed the first 20 days, with doubleheaders starting on April 4.
The Indian Premier League 2026 schedule was released in phases due to upcoming State Assembly elections, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India awaiting polling dates from the Election Commission of India.
IPL 2026 First Phase Schedule
All 20 confirmed matches, dates, venues, and timings.
| Date | Match | Venue | IST | GMT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Mar 29, 2026 | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Mullanpur | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 1, 2026 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Lucknow | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 3, 2026 | Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings | Chennai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Delhi | 3:30 PM | 10:00 AM |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 5, 2026 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM | 10:00 AM |
| Apr 5, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | Chennai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | Guwahati | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 8, 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Delhi | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mullanpur | 3:30 PM | 10:00 AM |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | Chennai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans | Lucknow | 3:30 PM | 10:00 AM |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
Points System
Every win earns a team 2 points. A loss gives nothing. Ties and no results split the points equally at 1 each.
- Each team plays 14 league matches in the group stage
- The top 4 teams at the end qualify for the playoffs
- Net Run Rate (NRR) is the first tiebreaker when teams are level on points
IPL 2026 Playoffs Format
The top two teams get two chances to reach the final. Third and fourth-placed teams get only one shot. All playoff venues will be announced separately by the BCCI.
| Stage | Teams | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | 1st vs 2nd | The winner goes directly to the Final |
| Eliminator | 3rd vs 4th | The loser is eliminated |
| Qualifier 2 | Loser of Q1 vs Winner of Eliminator | The winner goes to the final. |
| Final | Two Qualifier winners | IPL 2026 champions crowned on May 31 |
Where to Watch IPL 2026 Live
TV or phone, here are all the ways to catch IPL 2026 live in India.
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV | Star Sports Network (SD and HD, multiple languages) |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar (paid subscription or telecom bundle required) |
| Cheapest Plan | JioHotstar Mobile at ₹79/month |
| Free with Recharge | Jio prepaid plans from ₹349 include JioHotstar |
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Conclusion: IPL 2026 Schedule Runs From March 28 to May 31 Across Ten Teams
The first 20 days are locked in, and the tournament gets going on March 28 in Bengaluru. RCB defending their title at home is a strong way to open the season.
Double headers start from April 4, giving fans back-to-back matches on weekends. Keep this schedule bookmarked, check your telecom plan for JioHotstar access, and get ready for two months of IPL cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
March 28, 2026. The opening match is Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
May 31, 2026, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
84 matches in total across the full season.
Ten teams. Each team plays 14 matches in the group stage.
The top four teams qualify. Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator come first. The two winners from Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2 meet in the final on May 31.
Net Run Rate is used as the first tiebreaker when two or more teams finish level on points.
Star Sports on TV and JioHotstar for online streaming. Free streaming is no longer available. A JioHotstar subscription or bundled telecom plan is required.
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