The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is set to begin on March 28, 2026, marking the start of another exciting edition of the world’s biggest T20 cricket league. Organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the tournament will once again feature 10 franchises competing for the prestigious title.
IPL 2026 Opening Match
The opening match of IPL 2026 will be played between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, 2026, at the iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The match is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM IST, setting the stage for an electrifying start to the tournament.
IPL 2026 Format
The 2026 edition will follow the familiar round-robin and playoff format, ensuring intense competition throughout the season.
Key Format Highlights:
- 10 teams divided into groups
- Each team plays multiple home and away matches
- Top four teams qualify for the playoffs
- Playoffs include Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final
Which Teams Are Playing in IPL 2026?
A total of 10 franchises will compete in the 2026 edition of the tournament:
- Chennai Super Kings
- Mumbai Indians
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Delhi Capitals
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Rajasthan Royals
- Punjab Kings
- Lucknow Super Giants
- Gujarat Titans
IPL 2026 Schedule Overview
The schedule includes matches across major cricket venues in India such as Wankhede Stadium, Eden Gardens, Narendra Modi Stadium, and MA Chidambaram Stadium.
What to Expect in IPL 2026
Fans can expect thrilling rivalries, packed stadiums, and top-class performances from some of the best cricketers in the world. With established stars and emerging young talents sharing the stage, IPL 2026 promises another season full of unforgettable moments.
The tournament will run through April and May, culminating in the IPL 2026 Final, where the top two teams will battle for the championship trophy.
FAQ – IPL 2026
1. When will IPL 2026 start?
The IPL 2026 season will start on March 28, 2026.
2. When is the IPL 2026 final?
The final match of IPL 2026 is scheduled for May 31, 2026.
3. Who will play the first match of IPL 2026?
The opening match will be between:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
This match will start the tournament.
4. Where will the first match be played?
The first match is expected to be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
5. Why is Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing the first match?
Traditionally, the defending champion hosts the opening match.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the IPL 2025 title, so they will start the 2026 season.
6. How many teams will play in IPL 2026?
A total of 10 teams will participate in the tournament. Teams include:
- Chennai Super Kings
- Mumbai Indians
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Delhi Capitals
- Rajasthan Royals
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Punjab Kings
- Lucknow Super Giants
- Gujarat Titans
7. How many matches will be played in IPL 2026?
IPL 2026 will feature about 84 matches, making it one of the biggest seasons of the league.
8. When will the IPL 2026 playoffs start?
The playoffs are expected to begin around May 26, 2026.
9. Where can fans watch IPL 2026 live?
Fans can watch IPL 2026 on:
- Star Sports (TV broadcast)
- JioHotstar (online streaming)
10. Which match will be played after the first match?
The second match will be:
- Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29, 2026.
11. How long does the IPL season last?
The tournament runs for about 2 months (late March to end of May).
12. Who organizes the IPL?
The IPL is organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).