IPL 2026 Schedule: BCCI Releases Fixtures for First 20 Matches

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially released the schedule for the first phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. According to the official announcement, the tournament is set to commence on March 28, 2026, and the first phase will conclude on April 12, 2026. During this 15-day window, a total of 20 matches will be contested across various venues. The season opener will feature a high-profile clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M, while chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Impact of State Assembly Elections on Scheduling

The decision to release only a partial schedule is attributed to the upcoming assembly elections in four Indian states: Kerala, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam. According to BCCI officials, the scheduling of sports events on such a massive scale requires significant security coordination with state police forces. Since the election dates for these states are expected to be announced in April, the board has opted for a staggered schedule release. The remaining fixtures, including the knockout stages and the final, will be finalized once the Election Commission of India provides the polling dates.

Opening Fixtures for Major Franchises

The released itinerary ensures that all 10 participating franchises will play their opening matches within the first five days of the tournament. Following the opener on March 28, Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai on March 29. On March 30, Chennai Super Kings will face Rajasthan Royals at the latter's secondary home ground in Guwahati. The action moves to Mullanpur on March 31 for the match between Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings, followed by a clash between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals in Lucknow on April 1.

Venue Allocation and Double Header Details

The first phase of IPL 2026 will be spread across 10 different venues to ensure nationwide engagement. Interestingly, Kolkata and Guwahati have been allotted the highest number of matches in this phase, with 3 games each. Other venues will host 2 matches each during these 15 days. The schedule also features two double-headers, scheduled for April 4 and April 5. These double-headers are strategically placed to maximize weekend viewership and manage the logistical transition between different cities.

Logistical and Operational Preparations

BCCI has confirmed that all evening matches are scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, while the afternoon matches during double-headers will start at 3:30 PM IST. The board is working closely with state cricket associations to ensure that stadium facilities are optimized for the 2026 season. According to reports, the focus remains on maintaining high standards of pitch quality and spectator amenities, while the second round of matches for all teams will begin from April 2, maintaining a consistent flow of cricketing action leading up to the mid-April break in the announced schedule.

🚨 IPL 2026 SCHEDULE IS OUT. 🚨

- The first phase IPL schedule is now out. (Express Sports). pic.twitter.com/K29G6kF6d7

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 11, 2026