IPL 2026 kicks off on March 28, 2026. This date was finalized after an initial plan for March 26, adjusted due to scheduling factors like state elections and the T20 World Cup wrap-up.

Official Timeline

The tournament spans from March 28 to May 31, 2026 , featuring 84 matches across 10 teams. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) host the opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The first phase schedule (up to April 12) is out, covering 20 matches in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, with double-headers starting April 4.

Key Updates and Delays

Originally announced in December 2025 as March 26–May 31, the start shifted two days later, as confirmed by ESPN and official broadcasters Star Sports. Full schedule release was delayed by assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, now resolved as of mid-March 2026. BCCI's IPL Governing Council met to lock in details just before the March 23 announcement.

Format and Teams

Ten teams compete in a double round-robin (74 league matches), with top 4 advancing to playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final. Here's the lineup:

Team| Notable Detail
---|---
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)| Five-time champions
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)| Defending champs, opener hosts 47
Mumbai Indians (MI)| Five-time winners 9
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)| Three titles
Rajasthan Royals (RR)| Inaugural champs 9
Gujarat Titans (GT)| Early double-header
Delhi Capitals (DC)| April 4 double-header
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)| Opener opponents
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)| Home in Lucknow
Punjab Kings (PBKS)| Early games in New Chandigarh 7

Trending Buzz

Fans on forums are hyped about RCB's title defense and potential rivalries like MI vs. KKR on March 29. Overlaps with PSL raised early chatter, but IPL's $12B brand value keeps it dominant. With elections cleared, expect the full fixture list soon—perfect timing as we hit late March 2026.

TL;DR: IPL 2026 starts March 28 in Bengaluru, ends May 31; first phase live now amid election tweaks.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.