The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the full schedule of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) with matches spread across 13 venues. In an announcement made on Thursday (Mar 26), the BCCI allotted matches to venues in Jaipur, Dharamshala and Raipur, which had earlier been skipped. The current season of the IPL starts on Saturday with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.<h2>BCCI releases schedule for IPL 2026</h2>With Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu mainly influencing the schedule for the first half of IPL 2026, the BCCI released the full itinerary on Thursday. The schedule released on Thursday sees the allocation of venues for all 70 matches, with fixtures spread across 13 venues. Venues in Raipur, Jaipur and Dharamshala are the latest inductees, having missed out in the first phase.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-rohit-sharma-to-sanju-samson-5-highest-individual-score-in-a-lost-chase-in-ipl-yusuf-pathan-kl-rahul-shaun-marsh-ipl-2026-1774084136030">From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL</a>&nbsp;Raipur will serve as home ground for RCB for their last two matches in the league stage, while Dharamshala will be the traditional second home for Punjab Kings. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, will play their matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in the second half, while they start the season at their adopted home ground in Guwahati.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-cameron-green-to-liam-livingstone-5-most-expensive-players-in-ipl-2026-auctions-matheesha-pathirana-kartik-sharma-prashant-veer-1774031148132">From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions</a><h2>Full schedule of IPL 2026 league phase</h2><ol><li>Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 28 Mar 2026, Sat, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM</li><li>Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 29 Mar 2026, Sun, Mumbai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings — 30 Mar 2026, Mon, Guwahati, 7:30 PM</li><li>Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans — 31 Mar 2026, Tue, New Chandigarh, 7:30 PM</li><li>Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals — 01 Apr 2026, Wed, Lucknow, 7:30 PM</li><li>Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 02 Apr 2026, Thu, Kolkata, 7:30 PM</li><li>Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings — 03 Apr 2026, Fri, Chennai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians — 04 Apr 2026, Sat, Delhi, 3:30 PM</li><li>Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals — 04 Apr 2026, Sat, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants — 05 Apr 2026, Sun, Hyderabad, 3:30 PM</li><li>Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings — 05 Apr 2026, Sun, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM</li><li>Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings — 06 Apr 2026, Mon, Kolkata, 7:30 PM</li><li>Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians — 07 Apr 2026, Tue, Guwahati, 7:30 PM</li><li>Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans — 08 Apr 2026, Wed, Delhi, 7:30 PM</li><li>Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants — 09 Apr 2026, Thu, Kolkata, 7:30 PM</li><li>Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 10 Apr 2026, Fri, Guwahati, 7:30 PM</li><li>Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 11 Apr 2026, Sat, New Chandigarh, 3:30 PM</li><li>Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals — 11 Apr 2026, Sat, Chennai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans — 12 Apr 2026, Sun, Lucknow, 3:30 PM</li><li>Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 12 Apr 2026, Sun, Mumbai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals — 13 Apr 2026, Mon, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 14 Apr 2026, Tue, Chennai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants — 15 Apr 2026, Wed, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM</li><li>Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings — 16 Apr 2026, Thu, Mumbai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 17 Apr 2026, Fri, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals — 18 Apr 2026, Sat, Bengaluru, 3:30 PM</li><li>Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings — 18 Apr 2026, Sat, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals — 19 Apr 2026, Sun, Kolkata, 3:30 PM</li><li>Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants — 19 Apr 2026, Sun, New Chandigarh, 7:30 PM</li><li>Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians — 20 Apr 2026, Mon, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals — 21 Apr 2026, Tue, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals — 22 Apr 2026, Wed, Lucknow, 7:30 PM</li><li>Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings — 23 Apr 2026, Thu, Mumbai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans — 24 Apr 2026, Fri, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM</li><li>Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings — 25 Apr 2026, Sat, Delhi, 3:30 PM</li><li>Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 25 Apr 2026, Sat, Jaipur, 7:30 PM</li><li>Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings — 26 Apr 2026, Sun, Ahmedabad, 3:30 PM</li><li>Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 26 Apr 2026, Sun, Lucknow, 7:30 PM</li><li>Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 27 Apr 2026, Mon, Delhi, 7:30 PM</li><li>Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals — 28 Apr 2026, Tue, New Chandigarh, 7:30 PM</li><li>Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 29 Apr 2026, Wed, Mumbai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 30 Apr 2026, Thu, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals — 01 May 2026, Fri, Jaipur, 7:30 PM</li><li>Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians — 02 May 2026, Sat, Chennai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 03 May 2026, Sun, Hyderabad, 3:30 PM</li><li>Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings — 03 May 2026, Sun, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants — 04 May 2026, Mon, Mumbai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings — 05 May 2026, Tue, Delhi, 7:30 PM</li><li>Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings — 06 May 2026, Wed, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 07 May 2026, Thu, Lucknow, 7:30 PM</li><li>Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 08 May 2026, Fri, Delhi, 7:30 PM</li><li>Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans — 09 May 2026, Sat, Jaipur, 7:30 PM</li><li>Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants — 10 May 2026, Sun, Chennai, 3:30 PM</li><li>Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians — 10 May 2026, Sun, Raipur, 7:30 PM</li><li>Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals — 11 May 2026, Mon, Dharamshala, 7:30 PM</li><li>Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 12 May 2026, Tue, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 13 May 2026, Wed, Raipur, 7:30 PM</li><li>Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians — 14 May 2026, Thu, Dharamshala, 7:30 PM</li><li>Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings — 15 May 2026, Fri, Lucknow, 7:30 PM</li><li>Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans — 16 May 2026, Sat, Kolkata, 7:30 PM</li><li>Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 17 May 2026, Sun, Dharamshala, 3:30 PM</li><li>Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals — 17 May 2026, Sun, Delhi, 7:30 PM</li><li>Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 18 May 2026, Mon, Chennai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants — 19 May 2026, Tue, Jaipur, 7:30 PM</li><li>Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians — 20 May 2026, Wed, Kolkata, 7:30 PM</li><li>Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans — 21 May 2026, Thu, Chennai, 7:30 PM</li><li>Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 22 May 2026, Fri, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM</li><li>Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings — 23 May 2026, Sat, Lucknow, 7:30 PM</li><li>Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals — 24 May 2026, Sun, Mumbai, 3:30 PM</li><li>Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals — 24 May 2026, Sun, Kolkata, 7:30 PM</li></ol>

In an announcement made on Thursday (Mar 26), the BCCI allotted matches to venues in Jaipur, Dharamshala and Raipur, which had earlier been skipped.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released the full schedule of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) with matches spread across 13 venues. In an announcement made on Thursday (Mar 26), the BCCI allotted matches to venues in Jaipur, Dharamshala and Raipur, which had earlier been skipped. The current season of the IPL starts on Saturday with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. BCCI releases schedule for IPL 2026 With Assembly elections in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu mainly influencing the schedule for the first half of IPL 2026, the BCCI released the full itinerary on Thursday. The schedule released on Thursday sees the allocation of venues for all 70 matches, with fixtures spread across 13 venues. Venues in Raipur, Jaipur and Dharamshala are the latest inductees, having missed out in the first phase. ALSO READ | From Rohit Sharma to Sanju Samson, 5 highest individual scores in a lost chase in IPL Raipur will serve as home ground for RCB for their last two matches in the league stage, while Dharamshala will be the traditional second home for Punjab Kings. Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, will play their matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in the second half, while they start the season at their adopted home ground in Guwahati. ALSO READ | From Cameron Green to Liam Livingstone, 5 most expensive players in IPL 2026 auctions Full schedule of IPL 2026 league phase Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 28 Mar 2026, Sat, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 29 Mar 2026, Sun, Mumbai, 7:30 PM Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings — 30 Mar 2026, Mon, Guwahati, 7:30 PM Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans — 31 Mar 2026, Tue, New Chandigarh, 7:30 PM Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals — 01 Apr 2026, Wed, Lucknow, 7:30 PM Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 02 Apr 2026, Thu, Kolkata, 7:30 PM Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings — 03 Apr 2026, Fri, Chennai, 7:30 PM Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians — 04 Apr 2026, Sat, Delhi, 3:30 PM Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals — 04 Apr 2026, Sat, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants — 05 Apr 2026, Sun, Hyderabad, 3:30 PM Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings — 05 Apr 2026, Sun, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings — 06 Apr 2026, Mon, Kolkata, 7:30 PM Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians — 07 Apr 2026, Tue, Guwahati, 7:30 PM Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans — 08 Apr 2026, Wed, Delhi, 7:30 PM Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants — 09 Apr 2026, Thu, Kolkata, 7:30 PM Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 10 Apr 2026, Fri, Guwahati, 7:30 PM Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 11 Apr 2026, Sat, New Chandigarh, 3:30 PM Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals — 11 Apr 2026, Sat, Chennai, 7:30 PM Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans — 12 Apr 2026, Sun, Lucknow, 3:30 PM Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 12 Apr 2026, Sun, Mumbai, 7:30 PM Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals — 13 Apr 2026, Mon, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 14 Apr 2026, Tue, Chennai, 7:30 PM Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants — 15 Apr 2026, Wed, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings — 16 Apr 2026, Thu, Mumbai, 7:30 PM Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 17 Apr 2026, Fri, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals — 18 Apr 2026, Sat, Bengaluru, 3:30 PM Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings — 18 Apr 2026, Sat, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals — 19 Apr 2026, Sun, Kolkata, 3:30 PM Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants — 19 Apr 2026, Sun, New Chandigarh, 7:30 PM Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians — 20 Apr 2026, Mon, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals — 21 Apr 2026, Tue, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals — 22 Apr 2026, Wed, Lucknow, 7:30 PM Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings — 23 Apr 2026, Thu, Mumbai, 7:30 PM Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans — 24 Apr 2026, Fri, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings — 25 Apr 2026, Sat, Delhi, 3:30 PM Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 25 Apr 2026, Sat, Jaipur, 7:30 PM Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings — 26 Apr 2026, Sun, Ahmedabad, 3:30 PM Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 26 Apr 2026, Sun, Lucknow, 7:30 PM Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 27 Apr 2026, Mon, Delhi, 7:30 PM Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals — 28 Apr 2026, Tue, New Chandigarh, 7:30 PM Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 29 Apr 2026, Wed, Mumbai, 7:30 PM Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 30 Apr 2026, Thu, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals — 01 May 2026, Fri, Jaipur, 7:30 PM Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians — 02 May 2026, Sat, Chennai, 7:30 PM Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 03 May 2026, Sun, Hyderabad, 3:30 PM Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings — 03 May 2026, Sun, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants — 04 May 2026, Mon, Mumbai, 7:30 PM Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings — 05 May 2026, Tue, Delhi, 7:30 PM Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings — 06 May 2026, Wed, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 07 May 2026, Thu, Lucknow, 7:30 PM Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 08 May 2026, Fri, Delhi, 7:30 PM Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans — 09 May 2026, Sat, Jaipur, 7:30 PM Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants — 10 May 2026, Sun, Chennai, 3:30 PM Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians — 10 May 2026, Sun, Raipur, 7:30 PM Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals — 11 May 2026, Mon, Dharamshala, 7:30 PM Gujarat Titans vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 12 May 2026, Tue, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 13 May 2026, Wed, Raipur, 7:30 PM Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians — 14 May 2026, Thu, Dharamshala, 7:30 PM Lucknow Super Giants vs Chennai Super Kings — 15 May 2026, Fri, Lucknow, 7:30 PM Kolkata Knight Riders vs Gujarat Titans — 16 May 2026, Sat, Kolkata, 7:30 PM Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 17 May 2026, Sun, Dharamshala, 3:30 PM Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals — 17 May 2026, Sun, Delhi, 7:30 PM Chennai Super Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 18 May 2026, Mon, Chennai, 7:30 PM Rajasthan Royals vs Lucknow Super Giants — 19 May 2026, Tue, Jaipur, 7:30 PM Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians — 20 May 2026, Wed, Kolkata, 7:30 PM Chennai Super Kings vs Gujarat Titans — 21 May 2026, Thu, Chennai, 7:30 PM Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 22 May 2026, Fri, Hyderabad, 7:30 PM Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings — 23 May 2026, Sat, Lucknow, 7:30 PM Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals — 24 May 2026, Sun, Mumbai, 3:30 PM Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Capitals — 24 May 2026, Sun, Kolkata, 7:30 PM

In an announcement made on Thursday (Mar 26), the BCCI allotted matches to venues in Jaipur, Dharamshala and Raipur, which had earlier been skipped.

BCCI releases full IPL 2026 schedule, 13 venues to host 70 matches; Raipur, Dharamshala included

Get complete IPL 2026 details including dates, venues, full schedule, ticket booking, live streaming info, team squads, and captains. Stay updated with everything you need to know about the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

Get complete IPL 2026 details including dates, venues, full schedule, ticket booking, live streaming info, team squads, and captains. Stay updated with everything you need to know about the upcoming Indian Premier League season.

IPL 2026: Dates, venues, schedule, tickets, live streaming, team squads and captains – All you need to know

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026's opener on March 28, as the BCCI announced the partial schedule on Wednesday (Mar 11). The M Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru will host the season’s first game after the Karnataka government cleared the venue to stage IPL matches amid uncertainty following the tragic loss of 11 lives in a stampede last June during RCB’s victory celebrations.&nbsp;Check IPL 2026 first phase schedule -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨 News 🚨 Presenting the schedule for the first 20 matches of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026 🗓️ Full schedule will be announced once poll dates are announced for three states set to undergo State Assembly elections. More details ▶️… <a href="https://t.co/8Iq492v8TE">pic.twitter.com/8Iq492v8TE</a>&mdash; IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/2031725942389821600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, however, remain subject to clearance from an expert committee formed by the Karnataka state government.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gujarat-titans-bolster-coaching-staff-with-matthew-hayden-appointment-as-batting-coach-for-ipl-2026-1773146772790">Gujarat Titans bolster coaching staff with Matthew Hayden’s appointment for IPL 2026</a> &nbsp;"The committee will conduct a meeting and inspection of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, 2026, during which a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements will be carried out to assess the stadium's preparedness for hosting IPL matches," an IPL release states. &nbsp;Meanwhile, two former winners, Mumbai Indians (MI) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will face off in the second game this edition on Sunday (Mar 29) at the Wankhede Stadium, with the Rajasthan Royals hosting Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at their second home venue in Guwahati on Monday (Mar 31). Unlike previously, when double-headers used to highlight the opening weekend, the IPL included two (over the Apr 4-5 and 11-12 weekends) in the first phase of IPL 2026 schedule, comprising 20 matches. &nbsp;Considering Assembly Elections in several states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam, where their respective IPL teams have their home venues, the IPL governing council awaits the poll dates before releasing the full IPL 2026 schedule.&nbsp;In the first phase, all ten teams will play four games each; however, the groups haven’t been confirmed yet.<h2>Teams, venues and dates</h2>It is the second time RCB and SRH will square off in the opening weekend of an IPL, having last faced off nine years ago in the 2017 edition, when SRH was the defending champion, and RCB were the runners-up. While it’s only the second time that SRH will play the season opener, for the RCB, it’s their seventh appearance in the first game of an IPL edition.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Rajasthan Royals will wrap up the Guwahati leg of their home season inside the first phase itself, which includes three games at the venue. The former IPL champions will play their remaining four home matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. Besides RR, the RCB and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will also play their home games at their second home venues in the first phase. While the RCB will play two matches in Raipur, the PBKS will play three in Dharamsala.<h3>Check out IPL 2026 schedule (first phase) -</h3><ul><li>28/3/2026 - RCB vs SRH</li><li>29/3/2026 - MI vs KKR</li><li>30/3/2026 - RR vs CSK</li><li>31/3/2026 - PBKS vs GT</li><li>1/4/2026 - LSG vs DC</li><li>2/4/2026 - KKR vs SRH</li><li>3/4/2026 - CSK vs PBKS</li><li>4/4/2026 - DC vs MI</li><li>4/4/2026 - GT vs RR</li><li>5/4/2026 - SRH vs LSG</li><li>5/4/2026 - RCB vs CSK</li><li>6/4/2026 - KKR vs PBKS</li><li>7/4/2026 - RR vs MI</li><li>8/4/2026 - DC vs GT</li><li>9/4/2026 - KKR vs LSG</li><li>10/4/2026 - RR vs RCB</li><li>11/4/2026 - PBKS vs SRH</li><li>11/4/2026 - CSK vs DC</li><li>12/4/2026 - LSG vs GT</li><li>12/4/2026 - MI vs RCB</li></ul>

The wait is over! BCCI has announced the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Check the full list of the first 20 matches and venues here.

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in IPL 2026's opener on March 28, as the BCCI announced the partial schedule on Wednesday (Mar 11). The M Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru will host the season’s first game after the Karnataka government cleared the venue to stage IPL matches amid uncertainty following the tragic loss of 11 lives in a stampede last June during RCB’s victory celebrations. Check IPL 2026 first phase schedule -

The wait is over! BCCI has announced the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Check the full list of the first 20 matches and venues here.

RCB vs SRH to kick off IPL 2026 on March 28 as BCCI releases phase one schedule

The IPL 2026 schedule will be announced shortly (maybe in a day or two), most likely on March 12 and not later than March 13, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement. With just 18 days left for the start of the 19th edition, the BCCI hasn’t gone public with the official schedule, which would be released in two phases this time. While the first announcement would include the first 20-day schedule, the second announcement would fill in for the remaining dates.&nbsp;IPL 2026 will start on March 28 and end on May 31.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gujarat-titans-bolster-coaching-staff-with-matthew-hayden-appointment-as-batting-coach-for-ipl-2026-1773146772790">Gujarat Titans bolster coaching staff with Matthew Hayden’s appointment for IPL 2026</a> &nbsp;Detailing the reason behind postponing the IPL 2026 schedule announcement, Saikia said the board is awaiting the dates of the Assembly elections in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal and Kerala, before finalising the second phase of the schedule. &nbsp;"We are hoping to release the IPL schedule in a day or two," Devajit Saikia, the BCCI Secretary, said in a chat with Cricbuzz. "It will be a staggered two-phase schedule, and we will release the first phase, covering the first 20 days, on March 12 or 13. The second phase of the schedule will be announced after the dates of the Assembly elections are declared by the Election Commission of India." &nbsp;As three of the four (abovementioned) states are the home or away venues for respective IPL teams, the eagerly awaiting fans can now be content about the reason for the delay of the IPL 2026 schedule announcement. Cricbuzz also reported that the IPL Governing Council cleared the plan for the two-phase schedule on March 3.&nbsp; &nbsp;"We are waiting for confirmations from a few centres, and once they come, we will announce the dates for the first phase," the BCCI secretary added. Although the world is being drastically hit with the fuel shortage all over, owing to the raging war in West Asia, involving Iran, Israel and the US, Saikia confirmed that the BCCI was not influenced by any factor barring the impending Assembly elections, awaiting the poll dates across four states. Once the government announces those dates, the full IPL 2026 schedule will be announced.&nbsp; &nbsp;Saikia, however, also confirmed that the season will not extend beyond May 31.&nbsp;

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the IPL 2026 schedule will be released in two phases due to state assembly elections. The first phase, covering the opening 20 days, is expected on March 12. Defending champions RCB are set to kick off the season on March 28 in Bengaluru.

The IPL 2026 schedule will be announced shortly (maybe in a day or two), most likely on March 12 and not later than March 13, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement. With just 18 days left for the start of the 19th edition, the BCCI hasn’t gone public with the official schedule, which would be released in two phases this time. While the first announcement would include the first 20-day schedule, the second announcement would fill in for the remaining dates. IPL 2026 will start on March 28 and end on May 31. Also read | Gujarat Titans bolster coaching staff with Matthew Hayden’s appointment for IPL 2026 Detailing the reason behind postponing the IPL 2026 schedule announcement, Saikia said the board is awaiting the dates of the Assembly elections in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, West Bengal and Kerala, before finalising the second phase of the schedule. "We are hoping to release the IPL schedule in a day or two," Devajit Saikia, the BCCI Secretary, said in a chat with Cricbuzz. "It will be a staggered two-phase schedule, and we will release the first phase, covering the first 20 days, on March 12 or 13. The second phase of the schedule will be announced after the dates of the Assembly elections are declared by the Election Commission of India." As three of the four (abovementioned) states are the home or away venues for respective IPL teams, the eagerly awaiting fans can now be content about the reason for the delay of the IPL 2026 schedule announcement. Cricbuzz also reported that the IPL Governing Council cleared the plan for the two-phase schedule on March 3. "We are waiting for confirmations from a few centres, and once they come, we will announce the dates for the first phase," the BCCI secretary added. Although the world is being drastically hit with the fuel shortage all over, owing to the raging war in West Asia, involving Iran, Israel and the US, Saikia confirmed that the BCCI was not influenced by any factor barring the impending Assembly elections, awaiting the poll dates across four states. Once the government announces those dates, the full IPL 2026 schedule will be announced. Saikia, however, also confirmed that the season will not extend beyond May 31.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed that the IPL 2026 schedule will be released in two phases due to state assembly elections. The first phase, covering the opening 20 days, is expected on March 12. Defending champions RCB are set to kick off the season on March 28 in Bengaluru.

IPL 2026 schedule announcement split in two phases, first likely on March 12: BCCI Secretary

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is all set to start on March 28 as 10 teams will compete for the top honour in franchise cricket. According to reports on Friday, IPL 2026 is set to start two days later than originally planned on Mar 26 with elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam. The final of the IPL 2026 is scheduled for May 31, meaning the season will last for more than two months.<h2>IPL to start on Mar 28</h2>With elections in three key Indian states, the IPL governing body is all set to kick start IPL 2026 on Mar 28. In what will be the penultimate season of the current spectrum, 74 matches will take place across the country in the months of March, April and May. Despite elections, the entire season will be played in India with schedules prepared accordingly, according to a prominent cricket website, Espncricinfo.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;The IPL governing body is set to meet next week and finalise the venues, dates and release the schedule for fixtures. A key influence in the process will be the dates of elections in the three states mentioned above. The Election Commission of India (ECI) will announce dates for the same next week, which will influence the fixture allocations in a particular state.&nbsp;Tamil Nadu’s Chennai plays host to five-time champions Chennai Super Kings, Assam’s Guwahati will host Rajasthan Royals and West Bengal’s Kolkata will serve Kolkata Knight Riders. Matches in the respective states and cities will be arranged in such a manner that there will be no stress on the administration.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a><h2>IPL 2026 final on May 31</h2>Traditionally, the IPL final is hosted by the defending champions; however, that is unlikely this year with the champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), facing troubles with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). While M.Chinnaswamy Stadium has been cleared to host matches after being embroiled in a controversy last year for a deadly stampede, RCB have yet announce an agreement with the KSCA to host matches at the now-controversial venue.&nbsp;Despite the venue not being final, the summit clash is set to take place on May 31. This also means the season is set to last for a whopping 64 days.

According to reports on Friday, IPL 2026 is set to start two days later than originally planned on Mar 26 with elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam. The final of the IPL 2026 is scheduled for May 31, meaning the season will last for more than two months.

The Indian Premier League (IPL 2026) is all set to start on March 28 as 10 teams will compete for the top honour in franchise cricket. According to reports on Friday, IPL 2026 is set to start two days later than originally planned on Mar 26 with elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam. The final of the IPL 2026 is scheduled for May 31, meaning the season will last for more than two months. IPL to start on Mar 28 With elections in three key Indian states, the IPL governing body is all set to kick start IPL 2026 on Mar 28. In what will be the penultimate season of the current spectrum, 74 matches will take place across the country in the months of March, April and May. Despite elections, the entire season will be played in India with schedules prepared accordingly, according to a prominent cricket website, Espncricinfo. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli The IPL governing body is set to meet next week and finalise the venues, dates and release the schedule for fixtures. A key influence in the process will be the dates of elections in the three states mentioned above. The Election Commission of India (ECI) will announce dates for the same next week, which will influence the fixture allocations in a particular state. Tamil Nadu’s Chennai plays host to five-time champions Chennai Super Kings, Assam’s Guwahati will host Rajasthan Royals and West Bengal’s Kolkata will serve Kolkata Knight Riders. Matches in the respective states and cities will be arranged in such a manner that there will be no stress on the administration. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds IPL 2026 final on May 31 Traditionally, the IPL final is hosted by the defending champions; however, that is unlikely this year with the champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), facing troubles with the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA). While M.Chinnaswamy Stadium has been cleared to host matches after being embroiled in a controversy last year for a deadly stampede, RCB have yet announce an agreement with the KSCA to host matches at the now-controversial venue. Despite the venue not being final, the summit clash is set to take place on May 31. This also means the season is set to last for a whopping 64 days.

According to reports on Friday, IPL 2026 is set to start two days later than originally planned on Mar 26 with elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam. The final of the IPL 2026 is scheduled for May 31, meaning the season will last for more than two months.

IPL 2026 to start on March 28, final scheduled for May 31 - Report

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League will get underway on March 26 next year, concluding more than two months later on May 31, occupying the same window it has in recent years. The IPL 2026 begins roughly three weeks after the end of next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The BCCI hasn't announced its fixtures yet. However, for the successive year, IPL and PSL's schedules will clash, with the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League taking place from March 26 to May 3.&nbsp;Having confirmed their lists of retained and released players by mid-November, the ten participating teams will be part of the scheduled IPL 2026 mini-auction on Tuesday (Dec 16) in Abu Dhabi, where 369 shortlisted players will get under the hammer for the 77 available slots, including 31 overseas players.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/when-is-ipl-2026-auction-date-time-team-purse-live-streaming-and-everything-you-need-to-know-1765795726275">When is IPL 2026 auction? Date, time, team purse, live streaming and everything you need to know</a> &nbsp;While Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have the biggest purse (INR 64.30 crore) and most slots to fill (13), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) will have a task at hand to fill theirs (10) with a limited purse of INR 25.50 crore. Regarding the remaining purse, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are placed second with a balance of INR 43.40 crore and nine vacancies. &nbsp;Barring KKR, CSK and SRH, the teams with over INR 20 crore budget heading into the mini-auction are Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in fourth place (INR 22.95 crore), followed by Delhi Capitals (INR 21.80) at fifth. While the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a remaining purse of INR 16.40 crore (8 slots), Rajasthan Royals (INR 16.05 crore), Gujarat Titans (INR 12.90 crore) and Punjab Kings (INR 11.50 crore) are the ones with the pending balance in double digit, with Mumbai Indians sitting at the bottom with the lowest remaining balance (INR 2.75 crore) and joint-least spots to fill (6). &nbsp;Meanwhile, IPL 2025 ended in the first week of June due to Operation Sindoor, because of which the tournament was extended by one week.

IPL 2026 will start in the last week of March next year, roughly three weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup. 

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League will get underway on March 26 next year, concluding more than two months later on May 31, occupying the same window it has in recent years. The IPL 2026 begins roughly three weeks after the end of next year’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The BCCI hasn't announced its fixtures yet. However, for the successive year, IPL and PSL's schedules will clash, with the 11th edition of the Pakistan Super League taking place from March 26 to May 3. Having confirmed their lists of retained and released players by mid-November, the ten participating teams will be part of the scheduled IPL 2026 mini-auction on Tuesday (Dec 16) in Abu Dhabi, where 369 shortlisted players will get under the hammer for the 77 available slots, including 31 overseas players. Also read | When is IPL 2026 auction? Date, time, team purse, live streaming and everything you need to know While Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have the biggest purse (INR 64.30 crore) and most slots to fill (13), SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) will have a task at hand to fill theirs (10) with a limited purse of INR 25.50 crore. Regarding the remaining purse, the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are placed second with a balance of INR 43.40 crore and nine vacancies. Barring KKR, CSK and SRH, the teams with over INR 20 crore budget heading into the mini-auction are Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in fourth place (INR 22.95 crore), followed by Delhi Capitals (INR 21.80) at fifth. While the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have a remaining purse of INR 16.40 crore (8 slots), Rajasthan Royals (INR 16.05 crore), Gujarat Titans (INR 12.90 crore) and Punjab Kings (INR 11.50 crore) are the ones with the pending balance in double digit, with Mumbai Indians sitting at the bottom with the lowest remaining balance (INR 2.75 crore) and joint-least spots to fill (6). Meanwhile, IPL 2025 ended in the first week of June due to Operation Sindoor, because of which the tournament was extended by one week.

IPL 2026 will start in the last week of March next year, roughly three weeks after the conclusion of the 2026 T20 World Cup.&nbsp;

IPL 2026 dates out but BCCI yet to confirm fixtures | Details inside

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IPL 2026 dates out but BCCI yet to confirm fixtures | Details inside