IPL 2026 Fixtures Hub: Full Schedule, IST Times & Venue Map

IPL 2026: A New Era Begins

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to embark on its 19th season, promising an exhilarating cricketing spectacle. Starting on March 28, 2026, this edition introduces a significant expansion, featuring 84 matches across 10 teams, culminating in the grand finale on May 31, 2026, at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This expansion marks a new chapter in IPL history, offering fans an extended and more competitive tournament.

Comprehensive IPL 2026 Schedule

Key Dates and Venues

The tournament kicks off on March 28, 2026, with the opening match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The final is scheduled for May 31, 2026, at the same venue. The league stage spans from March 28 to approximately May 24, 2026, followed by the playoffs beginning around May 26, 2026. Matches are set to commence at 7:30 PM IST for evening fixtures and 3:30 PM IST for afternoon games. (ipl.com)

Venue Map

The IPL 2026 matches will be held across various iconic venues in India, including:

• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad
• New PCA Stadium, Mullanpur
• Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
• Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur

These venues are renowned for their rich cricketing history and passionate fan bases, setting the stage for memorable encounters. (ipl.com)

Notable Fixtures and Timings

Opening Match

The season opener on March 28, 2026, features defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at 7:30 PM IST in Bengaluru. (ipl.com)

Selected Fixtures

Here are some key fixtures to look forward to:

• March 29, 2026: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 7:30 PM IST
• March 30, 2026: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings at ACA Stadium, Guwahati, 7:30 PM IST
• March 31, 2026: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans at Mullanpur, 7:30 PM IST
• April 1, 2026: Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals at Lucknow, 7:30 PM IST
• April 2, 2026: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, 7:30 PM IST
• April 3, 2026: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai, 7:30 PM IST
• April 4, 2026: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi, 3:30 PM IST
• April 4, 2026: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, 7:30 PM IST
• April 5, 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, 3:30 PM IST
• April 5, 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST

These fixtures promise intense competition and showcase the league’s expanded format. (ipl.com)

Wider Significance

The expansion to 84 matches reflects the IPL’s commitment to providing fans with more cricketing action and opportunities to witness emerging talents and established stars. This format also intensifies the competition, as each team plays 14 matches—seven at home and seven away—before the top four teams advance to the playoffs. The inclusion of new venues and cities aims to broaden the league’s reach and engage a wider audience, fostering the sport’s growth across the nation. (ipl.com)

Closing Thought

As the IPL 2026 season approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark edition in the league’s history. With an expanded format, diverse venues, and a host of exciting fixtures, fans can look forward to a cricketing extravaganza that celebrates the sport’s popularity and its ability to unite people across India. Stay tuned for more updates and detailed analyses as the tournament unfolds.