The Board of Control for Cricket in India has released the schedule for the initial 20 matches of the Indian Premier League 2026, starting March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The full fixture list will follow after state election dates are confirmed in three regions. This phase includes four double-headers across 10 venues.
The 19th edition of the TATA IPL begins on March 28, 2026, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opener at Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, marking the venue's return to major cricket after a 2025 stampede during RCB's title celebrations that resulted in 11 deaths and dozens of injuries. Matches at the stadium are subject to clearance from an Expert Committee formed by the Government of Karnataka, with an inspection and mock demonstration scheduled for March 13, 2026, to evaluate safety arrangements.
The first phase runs from March 28 to April 12, featuring 20 matches at venues including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. Four double-headers are planned, starting April 4 with Delhi Capitals versus Mumbai Indians at Arun Jaitley Stadium, followed by Gujarat Titans against Rajasthan Royals at Narendra Modi Stadium.
RCB, who won their maiden IPL title in 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings in the final, will play five home games in Bengaluru and two in Raipur. Rajasthan Royals begin their home campaign in Guwahati, hosting Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, while Punjab Kings play early fixtures at PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. The schedule accounts for state assembly elections in three states, delaying the full 84-match tournament announcement.
Subsequent matches include Mumbai Indians versus Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29 at Wankhede Stadium and Rajasthan Royals versus Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati. Afternoon games start at 3:30 PM IST, with evening matches at 7:30 PM IST. All fixtures will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and other platforms.
