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IPL 2026 First Phase Schedule Announced: RCB vs SRH Opener on March 28

The BCCI has unveiled the schedule for the initial phase of the 2026 Indian Premier League, set to run from March 28 to April 12. The season will kick off with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. This phase includes 20 matches spread across 10 cities and features four double-header days. The complete tournament schedule is pending the announcement of election dates for three states.

Key Points: IPL 2026 Schedule: First Phase Fixtures, Venues, and Match Timings

  • First phase from March 28 to April 12, 2026
  • 20 matches across 10 venues
  • Features four double-header days
  • Full schedule pending election dates
2 min read

BCCI announces schedule for first phase of IPL 2026

BCCI announces IPL 2026 first phase schedule from March 28 to April 12. Check opening match, double-headers, venues, and key details.

"The full schedule of the tournament will be announced once the poll dates are announced. - BCCI Release"

New Delhi, March 11

The Board of Control for Cricket in India today announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026, according to a BCCI release.

As three states are scheduled to undergo State Assembly elections during this period, the full schedule of the tournament will be announced once the poll dates are announced.

The 19th edition of the biggest T20 league on the globe will commence when defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. A total of 20 matches will be played across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.

During this period, the tournament will feature four double-headers, with the afternoon matches beginning at 03:30 PM IST and the evening matches commencing at 07:30 PM IST. Following the opening encounter on Saturday, Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

The first double-header of the season will take place on April 4, 2026, when Delhi Capitals face Mumbai Indians in the afternoon match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, followed by Gujarat Titans taking on Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rajasthan Royals will begin their home campaign in Guwahati, where they will host Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Punjab Kings (PBKS), meanwhile, will play their early home fixtures at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.

The detailed schedule for the opening phase of the TATA IPL 2026:

(Photos: X/@IPL)

During the season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play five home matches in Bengaluru and two in Raipur. Punjab Kings will play four home matches in New Chandigarh and three in Dharamshala, while Rajasthan Royals will play three home matches in Guwahati and four in Jaipur.

Note: The matches scheduled in Bengaluru are subject to clearance from the Expert Committee constituted by the Government of Karnataka. The committee will conduct a meeting and inspection of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, 2026, during which a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements will be carried out to assess the stadium's preparedness for hosting IPL matches.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the schedule being announced in phases due to elections. It's a responsible move by BCCI to avoid any clashes. The double-headers on weekends are perfect for fans!
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Arjun K
Good to see Guwahati and Lucknow getting matches. IPL spreading to newer venues is great for cricket in India. But the constant last-minute inspections and clearances, like for Bengaluru, create unnecessary uncertainty. The process should be smoother.
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Priyanka N
As a CSK fan from Chennai, a bit disappointed we have to wait to see the full schedule. But understandable due to elections. Just hoping the matches in Chennai are on weekends so I can plan! đź’›
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Michael C
The logistical planning here is impressive—managing elections, multiple home venues for some teams, and stadium approvals. It's a massive operation. The afternoon start at 3:30 PM IST is perfect for us watching from the UK.
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Kavya N
Already marking my calendar! MI vs KKR on Sunday is a classic rivalry. Hope the Wankhede is packed. The mix of venues is good, but I hope all stadiums get proper facilities, especially the newer ones. Let's go Mumbai! 🔵

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