IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement: Indian Premier League Starts March 28, Final in Bengaluru on May 31

Cricket followers across India are preparing for a larger Indian Premier League as IPL 2026 approaches. The tournament features 84 matches instead of 74, making it the biggest season so far. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who defeated Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, again headline the competition starting in late March.

Broadcaster Star Sports confirms that IPL 2026 begins on March 28, following the announcement on March 8, 2026. The complete fixtures list is still pending, but Royal Challengers Bengaluru will attempt to extend the title run from 2025. Fans await details on match timings, travel plans, and ticket arrangements.

IPL 2026 schedule, venues and key dates

The Board of Control for Cricket in India plans to release the IPL 2026 schedule in two parts. Officials are watching Assembly Elections in West Bengal and Assam before finalising every date. Fixtures for the first 15 days will appear first, with remaining matches announced after polling schedules are clear.

Playoffs for IPL 2026 will start on May 26, bringing knockout cricket into focus. Bengaluru is confirmed to stage Qualifier 1 and the title match on May 31, 2026. The Eliminator and Qualifier 2 are likely in Ahmedabad and Raipur, although the final decision from organisers is still awaited.

IPL Schedule 2026 Release Date

The IPL schedule announced on March 11 at 7 pm.

IPL 2026 full schedule

March 28 - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Bengaluru - 7:30PM IST
March 29 - Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Mumbai - 7:30PM IST
March 30 - Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings - Guwahati - 7:30PM IST
March 31 - Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans - Mullanpur - 7:30PM IST
April 1 - Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals - Lucknow - 7:30PM IST
April 2 - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Kolkata - 7:30PM IST
April 3 - Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings - Chennai - 7:30PM IST
April 4 - Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians - Delhi - 3:30PM IST
April 4 - Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals - Ahmedabad - 7:30PM IST
April 5 - Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants - Hyderabad - 3:30PM IST
April 5 - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings - Bengaluru - 7:30PM IST
April 6 - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings - Kolkata - 7:30PM IST
April 7 - Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians - Guwahati - 7:30PM IST
April 8 - Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans - Delhi - 7:30PM IST
April 9 - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants - Kolkata - 7:30PM IST
April 10 - Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Guwahati - 7:30PM IST
April 11 - Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Mullanpur - 3:30PM IST
April 11 - Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals - Chennai - 7:30PM IST
April 12 - Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans - Lucknow - 3:30PM IST
April 12 - Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Mumbai - 7:30PM IST

IPL 2026 format, matches and host cities

IPL 2026 keeps the double round-robin format, with 10 teams meeting home and away. That structure produces 80 league games, followed by four playoff fixtures. Matches are planned across 10 major cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Raipur, giving supporters several options for attending contests.

The opening game for IPL 2026 is expected to continue the usual pattern between past finalists. Organisers are likely to schedule Royal Challengers Bengaluru versus Punjab Kings in the first match. However, the final call on the complete line-up, including the tournament opener, is still pending from the BCCI.

IPL 2026 teams and captains

All 10 franchises return for IPL 2026, each with a confirmed captain before the season. These leaders include established India internationals and recent standout players. The mix of experience and emerging talent is expected to shape strategies as teams prepare to challenge Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s status as current champions.

With an expanded match list, confirmed playoff dates and established leadership groups, IPL 2026 is set to be a longer competition than previous years. Supporters now wait for the phased schedule announcement, confirmation of opening fixtures, and final venue approvals before arranging trips and following their teams across India.