IPL 2026 Schedule Released: Tournament to Run from March 28 to May 31
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the full schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, marking the 19th edition of this prestigious T20 tournament. The action-packed season is set to commence on March 28 and will culminate with the grand final on May 31, promising over two months of thrilling cricket entertainment for fans worldwide.
Tournament Structure and Key Dates
IPL 2026 will feature a total of 74 matches, with each of the ten franchises playing 14 games—seven at their home venues and seven away. The league phase will consist of 70 matches, concluding on May 24. Following this, the top four teams will advance to the playoffs, which include two Qualifiers, one Eliminator, and the highly anticipated final on May 31.
Team-by-Team Fixture Highlights
Here is a detailed overview of the schedule for each team, highlighting their first and last league matches along with key fixtures:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Begin their campaign on April 3 against Punjab Kings in Chennai and wrap up the league stage on May 21 versus Gujarat Titans at home. Notable matches include clashes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 5 and Mumbai Indians on April 23.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Kick off on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru and finish on May 22 against the same opponent in Hyderabad. Key encounters include matches against Chennai Super Kings on April 5 and Mumbai Indians on April 12.
- Mumbai Indians (MI): Start on March 29 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai and conclude on May 24 against Rajasthan Royals at home. Highlight fixtures feature games against Chennai Super Kings on April 23 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Open their season on March 29 versus Mumbai Indians in Mumbai and end on May 24 against Delhi Capitals in Kolkata. Important matches include bouts with Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 2 and Chennai Super Kings on April 14.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Launch their campaign on March 28 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru and close on May 22 against the same team in Hyderabad. Significant games involve matches against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2 and Chennai Super Kings on April 18.
- Rajasthan Royals (RR): Begin on March 30 against Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati and finish on May 24 versus Mumbai Indians in Mumbai. Key fixtures include games against Gujarat Titans on April 4 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 10.
- Delhi Capitals (DC): Start on April 1 against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow and end on May 24 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata. Notable matches feature clashes with Mumbai Indians on April 4 and Chennai Super Kings on April 11.
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Open on April 1 versus Delhi Capitals in Lucknow and conclude on May 23 against Punjab Kings at home. Highlight games include matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 5 and Chennai Super Kings on May 10.
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): Commence on March 31 against Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh and wrap up on May 23 against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow. Important fixtures involve games against Chennai Super Kings on April 3 and Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11.
- Gujarat Titans (GT): Begin on March 31 versus Punjab Kings in Mullanpur and finish on May 21 against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai. Key encounters include matches against Rajasthan Royals on April 4 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 24.
Venues and Match Timings
The tournament will be hosted across multiple iconic venues in India, including Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Lucknow, and Guwahati. Most evening matches are scheduled for 7:30 PM IST, while some afternoon games will start at 3:30 PM IST, ensuring optimal viewing for fans across different time zones.
Playoff Format and Road to the Final
After the intense league phase, the playoffs will determine the IPL 2026 champion. The top four teams will compete in a series of knockout matches: Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final. This format ensures high-stakes drama and competitive cricket, leading up to the crowning of the winner on May 31.
With the schedule now public, cricket enthusiasts can mark their calendars and prepare for another exhilarating season of the Indian Premier League, featuring world-class talent, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the field.
