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IPL 2026 Kicks Off March 28: RCB vs SRH Opener, Full Schedule Awaits Polls

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has unveiled the initial phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, running from March 28 to April 12. The tournament will begin with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. A total of 20 matches are scheduled across 10 venues during this period, featuring four double-header days. The complete fixture list will be finalized after the announcement of dates for upcoming State Assembly elections in three states.

Key Points: IPL 2026 Schedule: Phase 1 from March 28, RCB Hosts SRH in Opener

  • IPL 2026 starts March 28
  • RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru opener
  • 20 matches across 10 venues
  • Full schedule pending state election dates
2 min read

RCB to host Sunrisers Hyderabad in opener as IPL 2026 to commence on March 28

BCCI announces IPL 2026 first phase schedule from March 28 to April 12. RCB to host SRH in opener. Full schedule pending state election dates.

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

Mumbai, March 11

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Wednesday announced the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League 2026, to be played from March 28 to April 12, 2026.

"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," BCCI said in a statement.

The 19th edition of the biggest T20 league on the globe will commence with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting 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.

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.

BCCI also said that "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."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the BCCI being cautious with the Bengaluru matches. Safety first is always important, especially with such large crowds. The mock demonstration is a good step.
R
Rohit P
As a CSK fan from Chennai, a bit disappointed our first match isn't mentioned here. But happy to see the tournament spread across so many cities. Guwahati and Raipur getting games is great for fans there! 👍
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Priya S
The double-headers on weekends are perfect for family viewing! 3:30 PM start for the first match means we can finish lunch and settle in. Hope the ticketing is smooth this time.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I wish the BCCI would finalize the full schedule sooner. It's difficult for outstation fans to plan travel and leave when only the first phase is announced. Understanding the election constraints, but hope the rest comes out quickly.
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Karthik V
SRH vs RCB opener will be a run-fest for sure! Chinnaswamy is a batting paradise. Just hoping the Bengaluru matches get the green light from the committee. The stadium is always electric.

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