The schedule for the opening phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has been officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), marking the beginning of another exciting season of the world’s most popular T20 franchise league. According to the schedule released on March 11, the tournament will kick off on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening match at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The BCCI has currently released the fixtures for the first phase of the season from March 28 to April 12, which includes a total of 20 matches. The partial schedule has been announced due to assembly elections scheduled in several Indian states.
The opening clash between RCB and SRH holds historical significance as it revisits one of the most memorable moments in IPL history. The two teams last faced each other in the 2016 IPL final, where Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated RCB to win their maiden IPL title. This time, however, the match carries a different narrative, as RCB enter the season as the defending champions after winning the IPL 2025 title by defeating Punjab Kings in the final. Fans are eagerly awaiting the contest, especially with Virat Kohli expected to lead RCB’s campaign once again.
However, the hosting of IPL matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be subject to a final safety and operational clearance. According to the BCCI’s official press statement, an expert committee will inspect the stadium on March 13, 2026, to evaluate its readiness to host IPL matches. The inspection will include a comprehensive mock drill of match-day arrangements, crowd management systems, and stadium infrastructure to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place.
The first phase of the tournament promises several exciting matchups involving some of the league’s most successful franchises. Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign against three-time IPL winners Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 29. This clash between two of the league’s biggest teams is expected to draw significant attention from cricket fans.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings, led by the legendary MS Dhoni, will play their opening match of the season against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30 in Guwahati. The match will be especially interesting as Rajasthan Royals are entering the season with a new captain, Riyan Parag, who will lead the franchise for the first time in the IPL.
Last season’s runners-up Punjab Kings will begin their IPL 2026 journey against the Gujarat Titans, champions of the 2022 edition, on March 31 in Mullanpur. Both teams are expected to enter the tournament with strong squads and high expectations after their performances in recent seasons.
Another intriguing fixture will see Lucknow Super Giants, now led by Rishabh Pant, start their campaign at home against the Delhi Capitals on April 1. Pant’s leadership will be closely watched as he takes charge of a refreshed Lucknow squad aiming to make a strong statement in the tournament.
The schedule also features a highly anticipated rematch of the IPL 2024 final, as Kolkata Knight Riders host Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens on April 2. Such fixtures are expected to add extra intensity to the tournament as teams look to settle old scores.
One of the biggest attractions of the first phase will be the blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru on April 5. Matches between these two teams have historically produced high-voltage drama, passionate fan support, and thrilling cricket.
Another interesting rivalry will resume on April 6, when Kolkata Knight Riders face Punjab Kings in Kolkata. This rivalry has previously produced two historic IPL moments: the highest successful run chase in IPL history and the lowest total ever defended in the tournament.
The opening phase of IPL 2026 will also feature four double-headers, giving fans the opportunity to enjoy two matches in a single day. The first double-header will take place on April 4, when Delhi Capitals host Mumbai Indians in the afternoon match, followed by Gujarat Titans facing Rajasthan Royals in the evening.
The second double-header on April 5 will see Sunrisers Hyderabad play Lucknow Super Giants earlier in the day, followed by the highly anticipated RCB vs CSK showdown.
The third double-header is scheduled for April 11, featuring Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals.
The fourth and final double-header of the first phase will take place on April 12, including matches between Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans.
The opening phase of the tournament will conclude with a blockbuster clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Wankhede Stadium on April 12, which will feature a high-profile showdown between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Before the tournament begins, the BCCI has also scheduled important meetings and promotional events. The annual meeting of team captains and coaches will take place in Mumbai on March 25, where officials will discuss rules, playing conditions and operational guidelines for the season.
Additionally, the traditional IPL captains’ photoshoot will be held in New Delhi on March 15, bringing together the leaders of all participating franchises. The event has become a major promotional activity that marks the countdown to the new IPL season.
With star players, intense rivalries and packed stadiums expected across the country, IPL 2026 promises another thrilling chapter in the history of the league.
