IPL 2026 Full Schedule: Official 70 League Matches Announced by BCCI
- Mar 27
- 3 min read
Cricket fever is back, and it’s bigger than ever! The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially dropped the bombshell we’ve all been waiting for. The IPL 2026 Full Schedule is finally here, covering all 70 league matches that will keep us on the edge of our seats from late March through May 2026.
Whether you’re a die-hard MS Dhoni fan hoping for one last season of "Thala" magic or a Shubman Gill supporter cheering for the Titans, this guide is your one-stop shop for every fixture, venue, and timing.
The Big Kick-off: Phase 1 Details
The TATA IPL 2026 season officially commences on March 28, 2026. In a departure from tradition, the opening clash features Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Phase 1 runs until April 12, 2026, featuring high-voltage clashes across 13 different venues. The BCCI has strategically planned these matches to ensure fans across India—from the humid coasts of Chennai to the scenic hills of Dharamshala—get a taste of the action.
Key Highlights of Phase 1:
March 29: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Wankhede Stadium)
March 30: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (Guwahati)
April 5: Double Header Sunday featuring SRH vs LSG and RCB vs CSK.
Phase 2 Announcement: The Home Stretch
On March 26, 2026, the BCCI unveiled the second leg of the IPL 2026 Full Schedule. This phase picks up immediately on April 13 and carries the momentum all the way to May 24, 2026, which marks the end of the league stage.
The second phase is particularly interesting because it introduces secondary home grounds. For instance, the Rajasthan Royals will play several "home" games in Guwahati, while the Punjab Kings will utilize the stunning Dharamshala stadium for their late-season fixtures.
Critical Matches in Phase 2:
April 23: The "El Clasico" of IPL — Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings at Wankhede.
May 10: A massive double-header as CSK faces LSG in the afternoon, followed by RCB vs MI in Raipur at night.
May 24: The final league game featuring Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals.
IPL 2026 Full Schedule: The Complete 70-Match Table
To help you plan your summer, here is a condensed look at the official fixtures for the 2026 season.
Match No. | Date | Fixture | Venue | Time (IST) |
1 | March 28 | RCB vs SRH | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
2 | March 29 | MI vs KKR | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
3 | March 30 | RR vs CSK | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
10 | April 5 | SRH vs LSG | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
33 | April 23 | CSK vs MI | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
44 | May 2 | CSK vs MI | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
70 | May 24 | MI vs RR | Mumbai | 3:30 PM |
Venues and New Destinations in 2026
The 2026 season is spreading the love across 13 venues. This expansion is part of the BCCI's initiative to bring top-tier cricket to fans in regions that don't host a permanent franchise.
Mullanpur (New Chandigarh): The new home for Punjab Kings.
Raipur: Set to host crucial late-season matches for RCB.
Guwahati: Serving as the second home for the Rajasthan Royals.
Dharamshala: Known for its breathtaking views, it will host PBKS home games in May.
Strategic Planning for Fans
If you are traveling for matches, Phase 2 includes more double-headers on Saturdays and Sundays. The 3:30 PM IST starts are usually reserved for these days to maximize viewership and stadium attendance.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q1: When does the IPL 2026 Full Schedule begin?
The league begins on March 28, 2026, with the final league match scheduled for May 24, 2026.
Q2: How many teams are participating in IPL 2026?
There are 10 teams participating, playing a total of 70 league matches.
Q3: Where can I see the IPL 2026 Full Schedule for Phase 2?
The Phase 2 schedule was released by the BCCI on March 26, 2026, and is included in the table above.
Q4: Which venue is hosting the opening match?
The opening match between RCB and SRH will be held at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Q5: Is there any change in the match timings?
Evening matches start at 7:30 PM IST, while afternoon double-headers begin at 3:30 PM IST.
Summary and Next Steps
The IPL 2026 Full Schedule promises a summer of unparalleled excitement. With 70 matches spread across two phases and 13 venues, the logistics alone are a marvel of modern sports management. As the teams gear up for the opening banger on March 28, make sure your calendars are marked!
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