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IPL 2026 Schedule Announced: First 20 Matches Revealed by BCCI, RCB vs SRH to Open Season
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Introduction
The much-anticipated IPL 2026 season has officially taken shape, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India releasing the schedule for the first 20 matches of the tournament. Cricket fans can now mark their calendars as the league prepares for another exciting two months of T20 action across multiple Indian cities.
The tournament begins on 28 March 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. The opening phase of the schedule runs until 12 April 2026, featuring 20 matches played across venues such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Guwahati.
With a mix of high-profile rivalries, weekend double-headers and evening prime-time games, the early part of IPL 2026 promises plenty of excitement for fans across the world.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | IPL 2026 |
| Start Date | 28 March 2026 |
| Matches Announced | First 20 matches |
| Final Match in Phase | 12 April 2026 |
| Format | T20 |
| Organised By | BCCI |
IPL 2026 First 20 Matches Schedule
Here is the official schedule for the opening 20 matches.
| Match | Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 Mar | RCB vs SRH | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 2 | 29 Mar | MI vs KKR | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| 3 | 30 Mar | RR vs CSK | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 4 | 31 Mar | PBKS vs GT | New Chandigarh | 7:30 PM |
| 5 | 1 Apr | LSG vs DC | Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| 6 | 2 Apr | KKR vs SRH | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 7 | 3 Apr | CSK vs PBKS | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 8 | 4 Apr | DC vs MI | Delhi | 3:30 PM |
| 9 | 4 Apr | GT vs RR | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| 10 | 5 Apr | SRH vs LSG | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
| 11 | 5 Apr | RCB vs CSK | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 12 | 6 Apr | KKR vs PBKS | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 13 | 7 Apr | RR vs MI | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 14 | 8 Apr | DC vs GT | Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| 15 | 9 Apr | KKR vs LSG | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 16 | 10 Apr | RR vs RCB | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 17 | 11 Apr | PBKS vs SRH | New Chandigarh | 3:30 PM |
| 18 | 11 Apr | CSK vs DC | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 19 | 12 Apr | LSG vs GT | Lucknow | 3:30 PM |
| 20 | 12 Apr | MI vs RCB | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
All match timings are in Indian Standard Time (IST).
Key Matches to Watch in the Opening Phase
RCB vs SRH – Season Opener
The tournament begins in Bengaluru where Royal Challengers Bengaluru will start their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad in front of a packed home crowd.
MI vs KKR – Early Rivalry Clash
Mumbai Indians hosting Kolkata Knight Riders on 29 March could set the tone for both teams early in the competition.
RCB vs CSK – Classic IPL Rivalry
One of the biggest fixtures in IPL history returns on 5 April in Bengaluru, where RCB will face Chennai Super Kings.
MI vs RCB – Big Sunday Night Game
The 20th match features a blockbuster clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Wankhede Stadium.
Venues Hosting Matches
The opening phase of IPL 2026 will be played across several major stadiums:
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Guwahati
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Delhi
- Ahmedabad
- Lucknow
- Hyderabad
- New Chandigarh
These venues are known for their unique pitch conditions and passionate fan bases.
What to Expect in IPL 2026
With 10 teams competing, IPL 2026 is expected to deliver high-scoring games, tactical battles and emerging young talent.
The early fixtures already feature:
- iconic rivalries
- weekend double-headers
- prime-time evening matches
These elements ensure strong viewership both in India and internationally.
Where to Watch IPL 2026
Fans can follow the tournament live on:
TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Coverage will include pre-match analysis, live commentary and post-match highlights.
Conclusion
The announcement of the first 20 matches has officially kick-started the countdown to IPL 2026. With blockbuster fixtures and multiple venues involved, the early phase of the tournament promises thrilling cricket and intense competition.
As more matches are expected to be announced soon, fans can look forward to a complete schedule that will define the road to the IPL 2026 playoffs.
SEO FAQs
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 begins on 28 March 2026.
What is the first match of IPL 2026?
The opening match is RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru.
How many matches are announced in the first schedule?
The BCCI has released 20 matches initially.
Which teams play on the first weekend?
Teams like Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings are in action.
Where can fans watch IPL 2026 live?
The tournament will be broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.
