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| IPL 2026 schedule start date venues format |
| Match No | Date | Day | Time | Home Team | Away Team | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28/03/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| 2 | 29/03/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Mumbai Indians | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai |
| 3 | 30/03/26 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| 4 | 31/03/26 | Tue | 7:30 PM | Punjab Kings | Gujarat Titans | New Chandigarh |
| 5 | 01/04/26 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Lucknow Super Giants | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow |
| 6 | 02/04/26 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata |
| 7 | 03/04/26 | Fri | 7:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 8 | 04/04/26 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Delhi Capitals | Mumbai Indians | Delhi |
| 9 | 04/04/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | 05/04/26 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad |
| 11 | 05/04/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| 12 | 06/04/26 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings | Kolkata |
| 13 | 07/04/26 | Tue | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai Indians | Guwahati |
| 14 | 08/04/26 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Delhi Capitals | Gujarat Titans | Delhi |
| 15 | 09/04/26 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata |
| 16 | 10/04/26 | Fri | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati |
| 17 | 11/04/26 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Punjab Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad | New Chandigarh |
| 18 | 11/04/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
| 19 | 12/04/26 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Lucknow Super Giants | Gujarat Titans | Lucknow |
| 20 | 12/04/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai |
Another big update comes in the form of venues. There was some uncertainty around a few stadiums, especially Bengaluru, but that has now been cleared. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru has been officially confirmed as one of the venues for IPL 2026. This is great news for Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans, as the stadium is known for its electrifying atmosphere and high-scoring matches.
Apart from Bengaluru, a total of 18 venues have been shortlisted for IPL 2026. These include Chennai, Delhi, Lucknow, Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Ahmedabad, Mullanpur, Hyderabad, Dharamshala, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Jaipur, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, DY Patil Stadium, and Thiruvananthapuram. However, it is important to note that this is not the final list, and a few venues may still be removed before the official confirmation. Even then, it is clear that IPL 2026 will be played across multiple cities, giving fans from different parts of the country an opportunity to experience matches live.
One of the most significant changes this season is the new format. In previous editions, the IPL featured 74 matches, but IPL 2026 will now include 84 matches. This is a major expansion and reflects the growing popularity of the tournament. Each team will now play 16 matches in the league stage instead of 14. With an increase of 10 matches overall, fans can expect more action, more rivalries, and more opportunities for teams to prove themselves.
In addition to this, there will be an increase in the number of double-header matches, meaning more days where two matches will be played - one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Teams will also be divided into two groups, but this is only for scheduling purposes and not a traditional group-stage format like international tournaments. The core structure of the IPL remains the same, but the extended schedule ensures a longer and more engaging season.
Now coming to the most exciting part - the opening matches. It has been officially confirmed that the first match of IPL 2026 will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This promises to be a thrilling start to the season, as both teams have shown strong performances in recent editions.
The second match is equally exciting, featuring the Mumbai Indians and the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This is one of the biggest rivalries in IPL history, and having it right at the beginning of the tournament is a perfect way to build momentum. With these two matches, IPL 2026 is set to begin on a high note, offering fans a strong dose of entertainment right from day one.
As for match timings, they remain largely unchanged. Evening matches will begin at 7:30 PM IST, while afternoon matches during double-header days will start at 3:30 PM IST. This schedule works well for fans, allowing them to enjoy matches after work on weekdays and fully immerse themselves in cricket during weekends.
While these major details have been officially confirmed, the complete schedule for IPL 2026 has not yet been released. According to updates, the schedule will be announced in two phases. The first phase is expected to be revealed in the coming days, and fans are eagerly waiting to see the full list of fixtures. Once the schedule is out, it will give a clearer picture of how the tournament will unfold.
Looking at all these updates together, it is clear that IPL 2026 is going to be one of the biggest seasons in the tournament’s history. The increase in the number of matches, the wide range of venues, and the strong opening fixtures all point towards a highly competitive and engaging season. For fans, this means more cricket, more excitement, and more unforgettable moments.
IPL has always been more than just a tournament. It is a celebration of cricket that brings together players and fans from across the world. With IPL 2026, that experience is only going to get better. As the start date approaches, the excitement will continue to build, and all eyes will be on 28 March 2026, when the first ball of the season is bowled.
Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, and detailed coverage as IPL 2026 gets closer. Also Read this article: https://www.edgesports.in/2026/03/what-is-ipl-history-format-teams.html
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When will IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 will start on 28 March 2026.
Q2. When is the IPL 2026 final?
The final match will be played on 31 May 2026.
Q3. How many matches will be played in IPL 2026?
A total of 84 matches will be played in IPL 2026.
Q4. What is the new format of IPL 2026?
Each team will play 16 matches, and teams will be divided into two groups for scheduling.
Q5. Which teams will play the opening match of IPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will play the opening match.