IPL 2026 Kicks Off with RCB Facing Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28
Synopsis
Get ready for an exciting season of IPL 2026! The tournament kicks off on March 28, featuring RCB hosting SRH in Bengaluru. With 20 matches scheduled across 10 venues, this season promises thrilling cricket action. Stay tuned for updates on the full schedule after the state elections!
Key Takeaways
IPL 2026 starts on March 28 RCB faces SRH in the opening match A total of 20 matches will be played Matches will occur across 10 venues Double-headers feature afternoon and evening matches
Mumbai, March 11 (NationPress) The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially revealed the timetable for the initial phase of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, which is set to take place from March 28 to April 12, 2026.
"Given that three states will be conducting State Assembly elections during this timeframe, the complete tournament schedule will be disclosed once the election dates are finalized," stated the BCCI in an announcement.
The 19th edition of the world’s premier T20 league will kick off with the reigning champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
A total of 20 matches will be contested across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
Throughout this season, there will be four double-headers, with afternoon games starting at 03:30 PM IST and evening matches beginning at 07:30 PM IST.
Following the inaugural match on Saturday, the Mumbai Indians will face the Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The first double-header of the tournament is scheduled for April 4, 2026, when Delhi Capitals take on Mumbai Indians in the afternoon at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, followed by a match between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The Rajasthan Royals will launch their home season in Guwahati, hosting Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) will conduct their early home games at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.
During the tournament, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play five matches at their home ground in Bengaluru and two in Raipur. Punjab Kings will host four home games in New Chandigarh and three in Dharamshala, while Rajasthan Royals will have three home matches in Guwahati and four in Jaipur.
The BCCI has also advised that "Matches scheduled in Bengaluru are contingent upon approval from the Expert Committee established by the Government of Karnataka. This committee will convene and inspect the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, 2026, where a comprehensive mock demonstration of match-day arrangements will be conducted to evaluate the stadium's readiness for IPL matches."
Point of View
The announcement of the schedule has generated significant anticipation among cricket fans. The strategic timing of matches, paired with the potential impact of state elections, reflects the careful planning by the BCCI to ensure a successful tournament. The excitement around the opening match, featuring RCB and SRH, highlights the ongoing popularity and cultural significance of cricket in India.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 is set to commence on March 28, 2026.
Who will play in the opening match?
The opening match will feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
How many venues will host IPL matches in 2026?
A total of 10 venues will host matches during IPL 2026.
What time will the double-header matches begin?
Afternoon matches will start at 03:30 PM IST and evening matches at 07:30 PM IST.
Is the Bengaluru match schedule confirmed?
The matches scheduled in Bengaluru are subject to clearance from the Government of Karnataka's Expert Committee.
