The excitement surrounding the IPL Schedule 2026 has officially begun after the announcement of the first phase of the tournament. The governing body of Indian cricket has revealed the fixtures for the opening segment of the season, confirming that the much-anticipated tournament will begin on March 28, 2026.
The opening match will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The clash between the reigning champions and a strong Hyderabad side is expected to set the tone for another thrilling season of the Indian Premier League.
According to the announced schedule, the first phase of IPL 2026 will include 20 matches, featuring two double-header days, where fans will get to watch two matches in a single day.
IPL Schedule 2026: First Phase Overview
The early schedule highlights key matches featuring some of the league’s most popular teams. The tournament will travel across several major cricket venues in India, bringing high-octane T20 action to fans nationwide.
A major highlight of the opening week will be Mumbai Indians starting their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the famous Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 29.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings will begin their campaign against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati. Another notable match will see Punjab Kings face Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur, which has recently become an important cricket venue.
The first phase schedule includes matches across multiple cities including Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Full IPL Schedule 2026 – First Phase Match List
Below is the complete table for the first 20 matches announced for the IPL Schedule 2026.
| Match No. | Date | Day | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 28 | Saturday | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| 2 | March 29 | Sunday | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai |
| 3 | March 30 | Monday | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| 4 | March 31 | Tuesday | Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Mullanpur |
| 5 | April 1 | Wednesday | Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Lucknow |
| 6 | April 2 | Thursday | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata |
| 7 | April 3 | Friday | Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 8 | April 4 | Saturday | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Delhi |
| 9 | April 4 | Saturday | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | April 5 | Sunday | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad |
| 11 | April 5 | Sunday | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| 12 | April 6 | Monday | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | Kolkata |
| 13 | April 7 | Tuesday | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | Guwahati |
| 14 | April 8 | Wednesday | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Delhi |
| 15 | April 9 | Thursday | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata |
| 16 | April 10 | Friday | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati |
| 17 | April 11 | Saturday | Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mullanpur |
| 18 | April 11 | Saturday | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
| 19 | April 12 | Sunday | Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans | Lucknow |
| 20 | April 12 | Sunday | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai |
Double-Header Matches in IPL 2026
As part of the IPL Schedule 2026, the first phase includes two days featuring double-header matches, allowing fans to enjoy back-to-back T20 contests.
Double-Header Days
| Date | Match 1 | Match 2 |
|---|---|---|
| April 4 | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals |
| April 11 | Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals |
| April 12 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
These days are expected to generate massive viewership, with fans watching two high-intensity matches in a single day.
Ahmedabad to Host Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals
One of the key matches in the announced IPL Schedule 2026 will take place in Ahmedabad on April 4, where Gujarat Titans will face Rajasthan Royals.
The match will be held at the world-renowned Narendra Modi Stadium, which is currently the largest cricket stadium in the world. At present, this is the only match scheduled in Ahmedabad during the first phase of the tournament.
Fans in Gujarat are expected to turn out in huge numbers to support the Titans, who have built a strong fan base since joining the IPL.
BCCI Statement on the Remaining IPL Schedule 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed that the complete IPL Schedule 2026 will be announced later.
According to the official statement, the remainder of the tournament fixtures will be released after the announcement of election dates in three Indian states. Since assembly elections will take place during the tournament period, scheduling decisions will depend on security arrangements and administrative considerations.
Once the election schedule is finalized, the board will release the remaining fixtures for the league stage and playoffs.
Home Venues for IPL Teams in 2026
The IPL franchises will host matches across multiple cities during the season. Some teams will also use secondary home venues.
Team Home Grounds
| Team | Home Venues | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Bengaluru, Raipur | 5 in Bengaluru, 2 in Raipur |
| Punjab Kings | New Chandigarh, Dharamshala | 4 in Chandigarh, 3 in Dharamshala |
| Rajasthan Royals | Guwahati, Jaipur | 3 in Guwahati, 4 in Jaipur |
These arrangements ensure that IPL matches are spread across various regions, allowing more fans to watch the tournament live in stadiums.
Key Teams to Watch in IPL 2026
The IPL Schedule 2026 promises exciting battles between some of the strongest teams in T20 cricket.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
After winning the previous season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their title defense at home. Their opening clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad will be closely watched by cricket fans.
Mumbai Indians
One of the most successful teams in IPL history, Mumbai Indians will once again aim for another championship run.
Chennai Super Kings
Led by experienced players and backed by loyal fans, Chennai Super Kings remain one of the most consistent teams in the tournament.
Gujarat Titans
Since entering the league, Gujarat Titans have quickly become a competitive side and are expected to be strong contenders again.
Growing Popularity of the IPL Worldwide
The Indian Premier League continues to grow as one of the biggest sporting leagues globally. Each season attracts millions of viewers from around the world, with broadcasters reaching audiences across Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas.
With the announcement of the IPL Schedule 2026, anticipation among fans has already started building. Stadiums are expected to be packed, and television viewership numbers are likely to break previous records.
The league not only showcases world-class cricket but also provides a platform for young talent to shine alongside international stars.
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What Fans Can Expect This Season
Cricket lovers can expect another action-packed season featuring:
- Intense rivalries between top franchises
- High-scoring T20 matches
- Emerging young talents
- Electrifying stadium atmospheres
- Global viewership and fan engagement
With several teams undergoing squad changes and new strategies being implemented, the IPL Schedule 2026 could produce some of the most competitive matches in the league’s history.
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Conclusion:
The announcement of the first phase of the IPL Schedule 2026 has officially ignited excitement among cricket fans worldwide. Starting on March 28, the tournament will begin with a blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Over the first two weeks, fans will witness 20 thrilling matches, including high-profile encounters between leading teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Gujarat Titans.
As the rest of the tournament schedule is expected to be revealed after the election dates are finalized, fans can look forward to many more exciting matches in the coming weeks.
One thing is certain—IPL 2026 promises another unforgettable season of cricket, entertainment, and global sporting drama.
