IPL 2026 Schedule: Full Fixtures, Match Dates, Venues & First 20 Matches List

Get ready to feel the roar of the crowds! The countdown to India’s grandest T20 cricket carnival has officially started. If you’ve been frantically searching for the complete IPL 2026 fixtures, you’re exactly where you need to be.

The BCCI has just dropped the first phase of the much-awaited IPL 2026 schedule, packed with blockbuster clashes and bitter rivalries. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are all set to launch the season. Grab your jerseys, because this guide covers every detail you need to block your calendars for the ultimate summer of cricket!

IPL 2026 Schedule 

​The Indian Premier League is back, and this year promises even more nail-biting finishes and towering sixes. The BCCI recently announced the initial phase of the match dates, keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Because of the upcoming assembly elections, the tournament’s dates have been split into phases. The first 20 matches are officially locked in, running from March 28 to April 12, 2026.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli reacts while sitting beside the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 4, 2025 © Getty Images

​Expect heavy-duty action right out of the gate. We’ve got major T20 cricket superstars returning, new captains settling into their roles, and historic rivalries reigniting under the stadium lights.

​Phase 1 Breakdown: Key Clashes to Watch

​Before we dive into the complete IPL 2026 fixtures for the opening phase, let’s look at the heavy-hitters.

​The season kicks off with an absolute banger at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). If history is any indicator, expect a run-fest in Bengaluru!

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Virat Kohli (C), along with his teammates, celebrates with the trophy after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 final cricket match against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 4, 2025 © Getty Images

​Following the opener, the action shifts to Mumbai. The five-time champions, Mumbai Indians (MI), will lock horns with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in a Sunday evening blockbuster. Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will travel to Guwahati to face the inaugural champions, Rajasthan Royals (RR).

​The Complete IPL 2026 Fixtures (First Phase)

​Here is the official, up-to-date schedule for the first 20 games of the season. Plan your watch parties accordingly!

Match No.DateMatch Details (Home vs Away)VenueTime (IST)
1Mar 28, SatRoyal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers HyderabadBengaluru7:30 PM
2Mar 29, SunMumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight RidersMumbai7:30 PM
3Mar 30, MonRajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super KingsGuwahati7:30 PM
4Mar 31, TuePunjab Kings vs Gujarat TitansMullanpur7:30 PM
5Apr 1, WedLucknow Super Giants vs Delhi CapitalsLucknow7:30 PM
6Apr 2, ThuKolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers HyderabadKolkata7:30 PM
7Apr 3, FriChennai Super Kings vs Punjab KingsChennai7:30 PM
8Apr 4, SatDelhi Capitals vs Mumbai IndiansDelhi3:30 PM
9Apr 4, SatGujarat Titans vs Rajasthan RoyalsAhmedabad7:30 PM
10Apr 5, SunSunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super GiantsHyderabad3:30 PM
11Apr 5, SunRoyal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super KingsBengaluru7:30 PM
12Apr 6, MonKolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab KingsKolkata7:30 PM
13Apr 7, TueRajasthan Royals vs Mumbai IndiansGuwahati7:30 PM
14Apr 8, WedDelhi Capitals vs Gujarat TitansDelhi7:30 PM
15Apr 9, ThuKolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super GiantsKolkata7:30 PM
16Apr 10, FriRajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers BengaluruGuwahati7:30 PM
17Apr 11, SatPunjab Kings vs Sunrisers HyderabadMullanpur3:30 PM
18Apr 11, SatChennai Super Kings vs Delhi CapitalsChennai7:30 PM
19Apr 12, SunLucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat TitansLucknow3:30 PM
20Apr 12, SunMumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers BengaluruMumbai7:30 PM

Note: The BCCI will announce the remaining IPL 2026 schedule once the upcoming assembly election dates are fully finalized.

Conclusion 

​As the BCCI finalizes the second half post-elections, we will instantly update these complete IPL 2026 fixtures. The first phase alone promises an unforgettable rollercoaster for all T20 cricket lovers.

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From brilliant tactical masterclasses to towering final-over sixes, there is zero shortage of drama this season. Bookmark this page, keep your team flags ready, and let the absolute madness of the Indian Premier League take over!

​Trending FAQs: IPL 2026 Schedule

​Q1: When does the IPL 2026 season officially start?

A: The IPL 2026 season officially kicks off on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with a mega opener between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

​Q2: Why did the BCCI release only a partial IPL 2026 schedule?

A: The BCCI has only released the first 20 fixtures (from March 28 to April 12) to avoid overlapping match dates and security constraints with the upcoming assembly elections in India. The remainder of the complete IPL 2026 fixtures will be announced soon.

​Q3: Where is the first match of IPL 2026 being played?

A: The season opener will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the home turf of the defending champions, RCB.

​Q4: Will there be double-headers in the first phase of IPL 2026?

A: Yes! The first double-header of the season is scheduled for Saturday, April 4. Delhi Capitals will host Mumbai Indians at 3:30 PM, followed by Gujarat Titans taking on Rajasthan Royals at 7:30 PM.

​Q5: Where will Rajasthan Royals play their initial home games?

A: For the first phase of the IPL 2026 season, the Rajasthan Royals will play their initial home matches at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati before moving back to their traditional bases.

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