IPL 2026 Schedule Released: Full Match List, Dates, Venues and Timings

The schedule for the **Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season has officially been released, giving cricket fans a detailed look at the opening fixtures, venues and match timings for the highly anticipated tournament.

The tournament will begin on March 28, 2026, with the opening match featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The IPL remains one of the most popular cricket leagues in the world, attracting top international and domestic players while drawing millions of viewers across the globe. With the release of the schedule, fans can now plan to watch their favourite teams and players compete across multiple iconic stadiums in India.

Opening Weekend Fixtures

The first weekend of the IPL promises exciting clashes between some of the biggest teams in the tournament.

On March 29, Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

The following day, Rajasthan Royals will play against Chennai Super Kings at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.

On March 31, Punjab Kings will take on Gujarat Titans at the New PCA Stadium in Chandigarh.

Key Fixtures in Early Phase

The early part of the tournament will also see several high-profile matchups involving top teams.

On April 1, Lucknow Super Giants will face Delhi Capitals at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Another major clash will take place on April 5, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru meet Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru, a fixture that traditionally attracts huge attention from fans.

Double-Headers and Prime Time Matches

The IPL schedule includes several double-header days, where two matches will be played on the same day. Afternoon matches are scheduled to start at 3:30 PM IST, while evening matches will begin at 7:30 PM IST, which remains the prime viewing time for television audiences.

For example, on April 4, Delhi Capitals will face Mumbai Indians in the afternoon match at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, followed by Gujarat Titans taking on Rajasthan Royals in the evening match at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Major Venues Hosting Matches

The IPL 2026 season will feature matches across several prominent stadiums including M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Wankhede Stadium, Eden Gardens, MA Chidambaram Stadium, and Narendra Modi Stadium.

Cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Lucknow, Guwahati, Hyderabad and Chandigarh will host matches during the opening phase of the tournament.

These venues are known for their passionate fan bases and electrifying match-day atmospheres, which contribute to the unique appeal of the IPL.

Fans Prepare for Another Exciting IPL Season

With the schedule now officially released, fans are eagerly waiting for the tournament to begin. The IPL has consistently delivered thrilling cricket, close finishes and unforgettable performances from both international superstars and emerging Indian talent.

The early fixtures promise intense rivalries and high-quality cricket as teams aim to start the tournament strongly and build momentum toward the later stages of the competition.

As preparations continue across franchises and stadiums, IPL 2026 is expected to once again captivate cricket fans around the world.