The IPL 2026 Full Schedule with Dates and Venues is the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, featuring 10 teams and a total of 84 matches (70 league stage + 4 playoff matches). The season officially kicks off on March 28, 2026, with the final scheduled for May 31, 2026. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
The BCCI has released the schedule in two phases. The first phase (March 28 to April 12) includes 20 matches across 10 venues. The second phase (April 13 to May 24) covers the remaining league matches, followed by playoffs and the grand final. The tournament promises high-octane T20 cricket with star players, strategic auctions, and intense rivalries across iconic Indian stadiums.
This comprehensive guide covers everything: full league schedule, venues, timings, group structures, playoff format, and key highlights. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, or any team, you will find all the details you need here to plan your viewing schedule.
IPL 2026 Key Highlights and Format
IPL 2026 will follow the standard double round-robin league format where each team plays every other team twice (once home, once away). After 70 league matches, the top four teams advance to playoffs:
- Qualifier 1: 1st vs 2nd placed team
- Eliminator: 3rd vs 4th placed team
- Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator
- Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2
The final is expected at a high-capacity venue, likely Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad or a similar iconic ground.
Total Matches: 84 Teams: 10 (CSK, DC, GT, KKR, LSG, MI, PBKS, RR, RCB, SRH) Duration: March 28 – May 31, 2026 Broadcast: Star Sports (TV) and Disney+ Hotstar (digital streaming) Ticket Booking: Expected to open via official IPL or team apps/websites closer to the season.
The league is divided into two phases for logistical reasons (to manage player fatigue, international commitments, and venue availability). The first phase is fully confirmed, while the second phase and exact playoff venues will be fine-tuned based on group standings.
Confirmed First Phase Schedule (March 28 – April 12, 2026)
Here is the detailed first-phase fixture list with dates, teams, venues, and timings (all times in IST):
- Match 1: March 28 (Saturday) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru – 7:30 PM
- Match 2: March 29 (Sunday) – Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai – 7:30 PM
- Match 3: March 30 (Monday) – Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings at Barsapara Cricket Stadium / ACA Stadium, Guwahati – 7:30 PM
- Match 4: March 31 (Tuesday) – Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) – 7:30 PM
- Match 5: April 1 (Wednesday) – Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow – 7:30 PM
- Match 6: April 2 (Thursday) – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, Kolkata – 7:30 PM
- Match 7: April 3 (Friday) – Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai – 7:30 PM
- Match 8: April 4 (Saturday) – Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi – 3:30 PM (Double Header)
- Match 9: April 4 (Saturday) – Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Rajasthan Royals at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru – 7:30 PM
- Match 10: April 5 (Sunday) – Gujarat Titans vs Lucknow Super Giants at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – 3:30 PM
- Match 11: April 5 (Sunday) – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad – 7:30 PM
(The remaining matches in the first phase continue up to April 12, covering key rivalries and double-headers. The BCCI typically announces the full detailed list closer to the season to accommodate any adjustments.)
Venues for IPL 2026
IPL 2026 will be hosted across multiple cities to ensure fair home advantage and wide fan reach. Confirmed and expected venues include:
- Bengaluru: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (RCB home)
- Mumbai: Wankhede Stadium (MI home)
- Ahmedabad: Narendra Modi Stadium (GT home)
- Kolkata: Eden Gardens (KKR home)
- Chennai: MA Chidambaram Stadium (CSK home)
- Delhi: Arun Jaitley Stadium (DC home)
- Lucknow: Ekana Cricket Stadium (LSG home)
- Guwahati: Barsapara / ACA Stadium (RR alternate home)
- Hyderabad: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (SRH home)
- Mullanpur (Chandigarh): Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium (PBKS home)
Additional venues like Jaipur (Sawai Mansingh) and others may host select matches depending on the final schedule release.
Each venue brings its unique character — the spin-friendly Chepauk in Chennai, the high-scoring Chinnaswamy in Bengaluru, the dew-heavy Wankhede, and the massive Narendra Modi Stadium with its world-class facilities.
Complete IPL 2026 Full Schedule with Dates and Venues
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Open against SRH at home on March 28; play CSK and RR in early April. Mumbai Indians (MI): Face KKR at home on March 29; travel to Delhi for double-header. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Play GT in Chennai and PBKS later; known for strong home record. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Host SRH early; strong spin-friendly conditions at Eden Gardens. And so on for all 10 teams…
(The full team-wise detailed list for the entire season will be expanded once the second phase is fully confirmed. Each team plays 14 league matches.)
Playoffs and Final (Tentative Structure)
After the league stage (70 matches), the top four teams advance:
- Qualifier 1: 1st vs 2nd (likely late May at a neutral or high-capacity venue)
- Eliminator: 3rd vs 4th
- Qualifier 2: Loser of Q1 vs Winner of Eliminator
- Final: May 31, 2026 (expected at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad or similar mega venue)
The playoffs are always high-stakes, with the winner taking home the IPL trophy and massive prize money.
Why IPL 2026 Will Be Special
- Mega Auction Impact: New player acquisitions and retentions will reshape team balances.
- International Stars: Expect big names from Australia, England, West Indies, and South Africa.
- Home Advantage: Venues like Chepauk (spin) and Chinnaswamy (batting paradise) will play crucial roles.
- Fan Experience: Record crowds expected, especially for derbies like MI vs CSK, RCB vs KKR, and PBKS vs DC.
The season promises nail-biting finishes, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments.
Comment below: Which team are you supporting in IPL 2026? Which venue match are you most excited to attend or watch live? Share this full schedule with your cricket group and stay tuned for updates when the complete second-phase fixtures are released by BCCI.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the latest official BCCI and IPL announcements as of March 2026. The second phase and exact playoff venues may see minor adjustments. Always check the official IPL website (iplt20.com) or BCCI for the most accurate updates.
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