
The IPL 2026 schedule is officially out! Defending champions RCB launch the season against SRH in Bengaluru on March 28. This first phase features 20 high-octane matches through April 12, including the massive RCB vs CSK clash on April 5. With a staggered rollout due to assembly elections, fans can also look forward to action in Guwahati and Mullanpur as the cricket carnival begins.
The wait is finally over! The BCCI has officially pulled back the curtain on the first phase of Tata IPL 2026, and the opening fixtures promise a month of high-octane drama. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to ignite the season at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, facing off against the explosive Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
This initial release covers the first 20 matches of the tournament, running until April 12. Due to the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam, the BCCI is adopting a staggered approach, with the remainder of the schedule to be finalised once polling dates are clear.
The opening weekend is packed with rivalry. On Sunday, March 29, the Wankhede Stadium will witness a clash of titans as the Mumbai Indians host the Kolkata Knight Riders.
However, all eyes will be on the Monday night fixture in Guwahati. Rajasthan Royals will host Chennai Super Kings in a game charged with emotion. Following a sensational off-season trade involving Sam Curran, fans will see Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja face their former franchises for the first time in a high-stakes showdown.
The first phase highlights a unique geographical spread for several franchises:
Rajasthan Royals: Will play all three of their initial home games at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati before returning to Jaipur.
Punjab Kings: Will split their season, starting with four games in Mullanpur, followed by three in the picturesque Dharamsala.
RCB's Raipur Expansion: In a move to expand their massive fan base, the defending champs will play two of their home games in Raipur later this season.
While the Chinnaswamy is ready for the March 28 opener, the BCCI noted that matches in Bengaluru are currently subject to a final nod from the Karnataka Government's Expert Committee. On March 13, 2026, a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements will be conducted. This inspection is a standard but vital safety protocol to ensure the stadium is 100% prepared for the "Red Army" to descend.
March 28: RCB vs SRH (The Opener)
March 29: MI vs KKR (Sunday Night Fever)
April 5: RCB vs CSK (The Southern Derby in Bengaluru)
April 12: MI vs RCB (Phase 1 Finale)
With double-headers scheduled for every weekend, the first 16 days of IPL 2026 are set to be a cricketing carnival. Can RCB maintain their crown, or will a new challenger emerge from the spring heat?
| Match No. | Date | Day | Kick-Off | Home Team | Away Team | City |
| 1 | 28/03/26 | Sat | Evening | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| 2 | 29/03/26 | Sun | Evening | Mumbai Indians | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai |
| 3 | 30/03/26 | Mon | Evening | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| 4 | 31/03/26 | Tue | Evening | Punjab Kings | Gujarat Titans | Mullanpur |
| 5 | 01/04/26 | Wed | Evening | Lucknow Super Giants | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow |
| 6 | 02/04/26 | Thu | Evening | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata |
| 7 | 03/04/26 | Fri | Evening | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 8 | 04/04/26 | Sat | Afternoon | Delhi Capitals | Mumbai Indians | Delhi |
| 9 | 04/04/26 | Sat | Evening | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | 05/04/26 | Sun | Afternoon | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad |
| 11 | 05/04/26 | Sun | Evening | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| 12 | 06/04/26 | Mon | Evening | Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings | Kolkata |
| 13 | 07/04/26 | Tue | Evening | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai Indians | Guwahati |
| 14 | 08/04/26 | Wed | Evening | Delhi Capitals | Gujarat Titans | Delhi |
| 15 | 09/04/26 | Thu | Evening | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata |
| 16 | 10/04/26 | Fri | Evening | Rajasthan Royals | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati |
| 17 | 11/04/26 | Sat | Afternoon | Punjab Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mullanpur |
| 18 | 11/04/26 | Sat | Evening | Chennai Super Kings | Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
| 19 | 12/04/26 | Sun | Afternoon | Lucknow Super Giants | Gujarat Titans | Lucknow |
| 20 | 12/04/26 | Sun | Evening | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai |
Also Read: IPL 2026 Schedule: First Phase Announcement Likely on March 12
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