The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League will begin on March 28, 2026, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The schedule for the first phase was announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India, covering the first 20 matches from March 28 to April 12.
Matches will be played across 10 venues, including Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Lucknow, with four double-headers planned. The complete schedule will be released later due to upcoming State Assembly elections in several Indian states.
The opening match also marks cricket’s return to the Bengaluru stadium after games were suspended following a tragic stampede in June 2025. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians will face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on March 29. The season’s first double-header is scheduled for April 4.
