IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule: First 24 Matches and Key Highlights
- Mar 27
- 4 min read
The cricketing world is buzzing once again as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially released the much-awaited fixtures for the upcoming season. If you are a die-hard fan looking for the IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule, you have come to the right place. This year, the tournament promises more thrills, new captaincy dynamics, and a high-octane start that will keep you glued to your screens.
With the first phase running from March 28 to mid-April, the league is set to ignite across iconic venues. In this blog, we provide a comprehensive look at the first 24 matches, key player highlights, and stadium details to ensure you don’t miss a single ball.
The Grand Opening: RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru
The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League kicks off on March 28, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by Rajat Patidar, will take on the formidable Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Interestingly, the BCCI has decided to forego a grand opening ceremony this year. This decision was made as a mark of respect and remembrance for the victims of the stampede tragedy that occurred in Bengaluru on June 4 last year during RCB's maiden title celebrations. Despite the lack of fanfare, the on-field action is expected to be electric, with Pat Cummins’ SRH looking to spoil the home team’s party.
Complete IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule (First 24 Matches)
The first phase features a dense lineup of matches, including four crucial double-headers. Below is the verified chronological list of the first 24 matches of 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 |
4 | March 31 | PBKS vs GT | New Chandigarh | 7:30 PM |
5 | April 1 | LSG vs DC | Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
6 | April 2 | KKR vs SRH | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
7 | April 3 | CSK vs PBKS | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
8 | April 4 | DC vs MI | Delhi | 3:30 PM |
9 | April 4 | GT vs RR | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
10 | April 5 | SRH vs LSG | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
11 | April 5 | RCB vs CSK | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
12 | April 6 | KKR vs PBKS | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
13 | April 7 | RR vs MI | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
14 | April 8 | DC vs GT | Delhi | 7:30 PM |
15 | April 9 | KKR vs LSG | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
16 | April 10 | RR vs RCB | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
17 | April 11 | PBKS vs SRH | New Chandigarh | 3:30 PM |
18 | April 11 | CSK vs DC | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
19 | April 12 | LSG vs GT | Lucknow | 3:30 PM |
20 | April 12 | MI vs RCB | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
21 | April 13 | SRH vs RR | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM |
22 | April 14 | CSK vs KKR | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
23 | April 15 | RCB vs LSG | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
24 | April 16 | MI vs PBKS | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
Key Highlights of the 2026 Season
The IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule is designed to maximize weekend engagement. Fans can look forward to several "Super Sundays" featuring double-headers.
1. New Venues and Home Grounds
While traditional venues like Wankhede and Eden Gardens remain staples, 2026 sees a diversification of "home" grounds:
Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play four matches at the New International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh and three at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala.
Rajasthan Royals (RR) will use the ACA Stadium in Guwahati for three "home" games before moving to Jaipur.
RCB will host two of their later matches at the Nava Raipur Cricket Stadium.
2. Captaincy Shifts
Keep an eye on the leadership this year. Ajinkya Rahane leads KKR, while Shreyas Iyer has taken the reins for PBKS. Rishabh Pant is back leading LSG, and the legendary Hardik Pandya continues to captain the Mumbai Indians. These tactical changes are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the tournament's strategy.
3. Broadcasting and Streaming
For the 2026 season, Star Sports remains the official television broadcaster. For digital viewers, the JioStar app and website will provide 4K live streaming in multiple regional languages, ensuring an immersive experience for fans worldwide.
Strategies for the First Phase
In the first 24 matches, teams often focus on finding their best "Playing XI." With the IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule having several matches in Northern India (Chandigarh, Delhi, Lucknow), the "dew factor" will play a massive role in evening games. Captains winning the toss are likely to chase, given the early spring climate in March and April.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the first match of the IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule?
The first match is between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28, 2026, in Bengaluru.
Q2: Where can I watch IPL 2026 live?
You can watch it on Star Sports (TV) and stream it live on the JioStar app and website.
Q3: Why is there no opening ceremony in IPL 2026?
The BCCI cancelled the ceremony to respect the victims of the June 2025 Bengaluru stampede tragedy.
Q4: How many double-headers are in the first phase?
There are four double-headers scheduled between March 28 and April 12, 2026.
Q5: Which venue will host the most matches in Phase 1?
Venues like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Guwahati are set to host multiple key fixtures in the opening leg.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule sets the stage for a monumental season of cricket. With 24 matches packed into the first 20 days, fans are in for a treat. Whether you are rooting for the defending champions RCB or the star-studded Mumbai Indians, the road to the playoffs begins here.
Stay tuned for more updates on Phase 2 and the playoff venues!
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