IPL Schedule 2026 Released : Full Fixtures, Dates & Everything You Need to Know
IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement: Date & Time Confirmed
The IPL 2026 schedule will be announced on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST .
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the first phase of the schedule will cover the initial 20 days of the tournament (approximately March 28 to April 16) . The remaining fixtures will be released later, once assembly election dates in several states are finalized .
1st Phase (Declared)
2nd Phase (To be announced later)
IPL 2026 First Phase (March 28 – April 12)
The BCCI has released the schedule for the first 20 matches of IPL 2026. The remaining fixtures will be announced later due to assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. Here’s the complete fixture list:
| Match No. | Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 28 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 2 | March 29 | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| 3 | March 30 | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 4 | March 31 | Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur | 7:30 PM |
| 5 | April 1 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| 6 | April 2 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 7 | April 3 | Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 8 | April 4 | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 3:30 PM |
| 9 | April 4 | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| 10 | April 5 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants | Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
| 11 | April 5 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 12 | April 6 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 13 | April 7 | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 14 | April 8 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| 15 | April 9 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 16 | April 10 | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 17 | April 11 | Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mullanpur | 3:30 PM |
| 18 | April 11 | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 19 | April 12 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans | Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow | 3:30 PM |
| 20 | April 12 | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
Note: The matches in Bengaluru are subject to clearance from the Expert Committee constituted by the Government of Karnataka. A full-scale mock demonstration will be conducted on March 13 to assess the stadium’s preparedness.
Why the Schedule Is Being Released in Phases
The BCCI is adopting a two-phase schedule release due to upcoming state assembly elections in multiple states, including:
West Bengal
Tamil Nadu
Assam
Kerala
Puducherry
By staggering the schedule, the board ensures that match venues and security arrangements do not clash with the democratic process. The BCCI is coordinating closely with the Election Commission and local authorities before finalizing fixtures .
Where to Watch the Schedule Announcement
The live telecast of the IPL 2026 schedule announcement will be available on:
JioHotstar (app and website)
Star Sports Network
Stay updated with all IPL news on our blogs page for real-time updates!
📅 IPL 2026 Tournament Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Schedule Announcement (Phase 1) | March 11, 2026 (7:00 PM IST) | ✅ Confirmed |
| Tournament Start | March 28, 2026 | ✅ Confirmed |
| Playoffs Begin | May 26, 2026 | ⏳ Tentative |
| Grand Finale | May 31, 2026 | ✅ Confirmed |
Mark your calendars and get your login ready to place your predictions!
IPL 2026 Venues – Complete List
The first phase of IPL 2026 will be played across 10 world-class venues:
| Venue | Location | Home Team(s) |
|---|---|---|
| M. Chinnaswamy Stadium | Bengaluru | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| Wankhede Stadium | Mumbai | Mumbai Indians |
| MA Chidambaram Stadium | Chennai | Chennai Super Kings |
| Eden Gardens | Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| Narendra Modi Stadium | Ahmedabad | Gujarat Titans |
| Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium | Hyderabad | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Arun Jaitley Stadium | Delhi | Delhi Capitals |
| Ekana Cricket Stadium | Lucknow | Lucknow Super Giants |
| Barsapara Stadium | Guwahati | Rajasthan Royals (home matches) |
| Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium | Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) | Punjab Kings |
Teams & Captains for IPL 2026
| Team | Captain | Title Wins |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings (CSK) | Ruturaj Gaikwad | 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) |
| Mumbai Indians (MI) | Hardik Pandya | 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) |
| Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) | Ajinkya Rahane | 3 (2012, 2014, 2024) |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) | Rajat Patidar | 1 (2025) – Defending Champions |
| Gujarat Titans (GT) | Shubman Gill | 1 (2022) |
| Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Riyan Parag | 1 (2008) |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | Pat Cummins | 1 (2016) |
| Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) | Rishabh Pant | 0 |
| Delhi Capitals (DC) | Axar Patel | 0 |
| Punjab Kings (PBKS) | Shreyas Iyer | 0 |
Want to predict which captain will lift the trophy? Get your mahadev-cricket-book-id today!
Why Choose MahadevBook for IPL 2026?
As the IPL 2026 excitement builds, MahadevBook.cv is your ultimate companion for the tournament. Here’s why thousands of cricket fans trust us:
✅ Seamless Access
Get your mahadev-cricket-book-id in minutes and dive straight into the action. Our signup process is quick and secure.
✅ Real-Time Engagement
Experience ball-by-ball excitement with dynamic markets that let you leverage your cricket knowledge. Simply login anytime to access all features.
✅ Expert Analysis
Read our daily match previews, player stats, and predictions on the blogs section.
✅ Complete Coverage
From RCB vs CSK blockbusters to Mumbai Indians vs KKR thrillers, we cover every match of IPL 2026.
✅ Secure & Responsible
We prioritize your safety. Review our terms-conditions and privacy-policy to understand our commitment to fair play.
✅ 24/7 Support
Have questions? Reach out to our support team anytime via WhatsApp or chat.
🏟️ Opening Match: What We Know So Far
The IPL 2026 opening match will be played on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru .
Which Teams Will Play the Opener?
According to media reports, the opening match could feature:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – The defending champions
Punjab Kings (PBKS) – The 2025 runners-up
However, some reports suggest the curtain-raiser could be RCB vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) , given CSK’s massive fan following and marquee status . The BCCI has not yet made an official announcement regarding the teams for the opening match.
IPL Tradition: Defending Champions Host First Match
As per IPL tradition, the first match of the season is usually played at the home ground of the defending champions. RCB won their maiden title in 2025 by defeating Punjab Kings in the final, making the Chinnaswamy Stadium the natural choice for the opening ceremony and first match .
For exclusive match previews and analysis, check our blogs section daily!
🏏 Complete Tournament Format
The IPL 2026 season will be the biggest yet, featuring:
84 matches in total (up from 74 in previous editions)
80 league matches
4 playoff matches (Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and Final)
10 teams competing in a double round-robin format
Each team will play 18 league matches – 9 at home and 9 away .
With so many matches, you’ll need a reliable platform to track all the action. Signup now and get your mahadev-cricket-book-id to never miss a moment!
🏟️ Key Venues for IPL 2026
M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru – The Final Venue
The iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium holds special significance for IPL 2026:
Opening Match: March 28, 2026
Final: May 31, 2026
Playoff Match: One playoff game also scheduled
RCB Home Games: 5 matches at Chinnaswamy
This marks an emotional return for RCB and their fans. Cricket at the stadium had been suspended since June 2025 following a tragic stampede during RCB’s title celebrations, which claimed 11 lives . After rigorous safety audits and infrastructure upgrades, the gates are finally reopening.
“The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground; it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive. The energy our fans bring to Bengaluru has always been a driving force for our players.” – Rajesh Menon, CEO, Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Stadium Capacity: 40,000 spectators
Raipur – RCB’s Second Home
RCB will play two “home” matches at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, which has been designated as their second home ground for this season .
Other Major Venues
Matches will be held across 10 major cities, including:
Mumbai – Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai Indians)
Chennai – M.A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai Super Kings)
Kolkata – Eden Gardens (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Hyderabad – Rajiv Gandhi Stadium (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Delhi – Arun Jaitley Stadium (Delhi Capitals)
Lucknow – BRSABV Ekana Stadium (Lucknow Super Giants)
Ahmedabad – Narendra Modi Stadium (Gujarat Titans)
Jaipur – Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Rajasthan Royals)
Dharamsala – HPCA Stadium (alternate venue)
Guwahati – Barsapara Stadium (Rajasthan Royals’ second home)
Plan your match-day experience with MahadevBook! Simply login to access all features.
🔥 Pre-Season Preparations Underway
Teams have already begun their preparations for IPL 2026 :
| Team | Training Location | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | High-Performance Centre, Navalur | Started March 1 |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai | Held camp on February 10 |
| Gujarat Titans | Miraj International Cricket Stadium, Nathdwara | Two sessions completed |
| Punjab Kings | Abu Dhabi + Dharamsala | Training in Dharamsala currently |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Hyderabad | Started March 1 |
| Mumbai Indians | Mumbai | Training underway |
| Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | Expected from March 15 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata | Pre-season camp from March 18 |
| Delhi Capitals | Hyderabad + New Delhi | Camp in Hyderabad completed |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Lucknow | Preparatory session held |
Virat Kohli Begins IPL 2026 Preparations
India and RCB stalwart Virat Kohli has begun preparations for IPL 2026, sharing a video of himself training in the nets at a facility in the United Kingdom . The 39-year-old captioned his Instagram post “IPL 2026” along with an hourglass emoji.
RCB also created a special tribute for Kohli, who completed 18 years with the franchise on March 11. The post read: “19 seasons, 1 team, 1 legendary name. From a promising youngster in 2008 to an irreplaceable icon of the franchise.”
Kohli played a crucial role in RCB’s 2025 title win, amassing 657 runs in 15 innings at a strike rate of 144.71 .
Follow all player updates and match analysis on our blogs page!
📺 Broadcast & Live Streaming Details
Live Telecast (India): Star Sports Network
Live Streaming (India): JioHotstar app and website
Match Start Time: 7:30 PM IST (evening matches) / 3:30 PM IST (afternoon matches)
For the latest official updates on the match fixtures, you can refer to The Hindu’s IPL 2026 coverage and Google News coverage .
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When will the IPL 2026 schedule be announced?
The IPL 2026 schedule will be announced on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST .
Will the full IPL 2026 schedule be released at once?
No. The BCCI will release the schedule in two phases. The first phase will cover the first 20 days of the tournament (March 28 to approximately April 16). The remaining fixtures will be announced later after election dates are finalized .
Why is the IPL 2026 schedule being released in phases?
The schedule is being released in phases due to state assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry. This ensures proper security arrangements and avoids clashes with the electoral process .
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 begins on March 28, 2026 .
When is the IPL 2026 final?
The IPL 2026 final will be played on May 31, 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru .
Which teams will play in the opening match?
While not officially confirmed, reports suggest the opening match could be RCB vs Punjab Kings (defending champions vs 2025 runners-up) or RCB vs CSK .
Where can I watch the schedule announcement?
The live telecast will be available on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network .
Will the Chinnaswamy Stadium host matches this year?
Yes. After being suspended following a tragic stampede in June 2025, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has been cleared to host 5 RCB home games, one playoff match, and the IPL 2026 final .
How do I create my MahadevBook ID?
Creating your MahadevBook ID is simple. Visit our signup page or click the WhatsApp button on our homepage. Share your name and mobile/WhatsApp number, complete the quick KYC verification, and you’re ready to play. Most players activate their ID in just a few minutes. Get your mahadev-cricket-book-id now!
How fast are deposits and withdrawals on MahadevBook?
Deposits are processed almost instantly, so you can start playing right away. Withdrawals follow standard verification procedures but are designed to be as fast and hassle-free as possible. We prioritize secure and swift transactions for all users.
Is MahadevBook safe and secure?
Absolutely. We use advanced security measures to protect your data and transactions. We are committed to responsible gaming and fair play. Please review our terms-conditions and privacy-policy to understand how we keep your information safe.
Where can I find match predictions and analysis on MahadevBook?
Visit our blogs section for daily match previews, player analysis, head-to-head stats, and expert predictions throughout IPL 2026.
🎯 Get Ready for IPL 2026 with MahadevBook
The IPL 2026 schedule announcement marks the beginning of the most anticipated cricket season of the year. With 84 matches, defending champions RCB looking to retain their title, and the emotional return of cricket to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, this season promises to be unforgettable.
Stay tuned to official broadcasters and trusted news sources for the latest updates when the schedule drops at 7:00 PM IST today!
And when the action begins, make sure you’re ready with MahadevBook.cv – India’s trusted platform for cricket enthusiasts. Signup today, get your mahadev-cricket-book-id , and experience IPL 2026 like never before!
*Stay updated with all IPL 2026 news, match analysis, and live updates on MahadevBook.cv . Play responsibly. 18+ only.*
