Get the complete, up-to-the-minute IPL 2026 schedule, including all match dates, timings, venues, and key tournament information in one place.
The Indian Premier League is the world’s biggest T20 cricket spectacle, and the excitement for its 19th season is already building. Fans across the globe are eager to know when their favorite teams will clash. While we await the official announcement, this guide provides all the expected details, from key dates and tournament format to must-watch rivalries for the IPL 2026 season.
IPL 2026 at a Glance: Key Dates & Tournament Overview 🗓️
Here’s a quick summary of what to expect from the TATA IPL 2026. Please note that all information is based on the typical tournament structure and will be confirmed once the official schedule is released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
| Detail | Expected Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament Window | Late March – Late May 2026 |
| Number of Teams | 10 |
| Total Matches | 74 |
| Format | Round-Robin League Stage + Playoffs |
| Schedule Status | Awaited (To be officially announced by BCCI) |
Expected Key Dates
-
IPL 2026 Auction Date: Expected in late 2025 (likely December).
-
Tournament Start Date: Expected in the last week of March 2026.
-
Final Match Date: Expected in the last week of May 2026.
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change. We will update this section as soon as official announcements are made.
Tournament Format Overview
The IPL 2026 is expected to follow the successful format of previous seasons:
-
League Stage: Each of the 10 teams plays 14 matches in a round-robin format (seven at home and seven away).
-
Playoffs: The top four teams on the points table at the end of the league stage will qualify for the playoffs. The structure includes Qualifier 1, an Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Grand Final to decide the champion.
Official IPL 2026 Schedule & Match Fixtures (To Be Updated)
This section will feature the complete and detailed match list for IPL 2026. The table below is a placeholder that will be populated immediately after the official fixtures are released.
Note: The official IPL 2026 schedule will be updated here as soon as it is released. For the most current information, you can also check the official Indian Premier League website at iplt20.com.
IPL matches typically have two standard start times:
-
Afternoon Matches: 3:30 PM IST
-
Evening Matches: 7:30 PM IST
League Stage Fixtures
(The full schedule of 70 league matches will be listed here.)
| Match No. | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TBA | Team A vs Team B | TBA | 7:30 PM |
| 2 | TBA | Team C vs Team D | TBA | 3:30 PM |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| 70 | TBA | Team X vs Team Y | TBA | 7:30 PM |
Playoffs & Final Schedule
(The schedule for the four playoff matches will be listed here.)
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | TBA | TBD vs TBD | TBA | 7:30 PM |
| Eliminator | TBA | TBD vs TBD | TBA | 7:30 PM |
| Qualifier 2 | TBA | TBD vs TBD | TBA | 7:30 PM |
| Final | TBA | TBD vs TBD | TBA | 7:30 PM |
IPL 2026 Venues: A Tour of the Home Grounds 🏟️
The IPL is set to continue its popular home-and-away format, allowing each franchise to play in front of its passionate home crowd. This structure brings a unique energy to every match and makes the stadium atmosphere a crucial factor. Here are the expected home grounds for all 10 teams.
List of Teams and Home Venues
-
Chennai Super Kings (CSK): M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
-
Mumbai Indians (MI): Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
-
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
-
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Eden Gardens, Kolkata
-
Delhi Capitals (DC): Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
-
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
-
Punjab Kings (PBKS): IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali & HPCA Stadium, Dharamshala
-
Rajasthan Royals (RR): Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur & ACA Stadium, Guwahati
-
Gujarat Titans (GT): Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
-
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
What to Expect from the Venues
Each venue offers unique conditions that influence the game. For example, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is known for its red-soil pitch offering good bounce, making it a paradise for batters. In contrast, the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai typically features a slower pitch that assists spin bowlers. Understanding these nuances adds another layer of excitement for fans and fantasy cricket players.
Key Rivalries and Must-Watch Matches in IPL 2026 🔥
While every IPL match is a spectacle, some fixtures carry more weight due to historic rivalries and intense fan passion. Make sure to mark these clashes on your calendar!
The ‘El Clásico’ of IPL: MI vs CSK
The rivalry between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings is legendary. As the two most successful franchises in IPL history, their matches are always high-stakes battles filled with drama and world-class performances. These games are a must-watch for any cricket fan.
Southern Derby: RCB vs CSK
The clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings is a cauldron of emotion. Fueled by a fierce fan rivalry and featuring some of the biggest names in cricket, the Southern Derby is guaranteed to deliver thrilling entertainment.
Other High-Voltage Clashes
Keep an eye out for other intense matchups, such as:
-
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: A battle between two recent champions.
-
Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings: A northern derby often resulting in close, high-scoring contests.
-
Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans: A rivalry that has produced some modern classics, including a tournament final.
How to Watch IPL 2026 Live: TV & Streaming Guide 📺
Here’s how you can catch all the live action from IPL 2026 from the comfort of your home.
Broadcast in India
-
TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network is the official television broadcaster in India. You can watch matches with commentary in English, Hindi, and several regional languages.
-
Digital Streaming: JioCinema is expected to be the official digital streaming partner, offering free live streams of all matches on its app and website.
International Streaming Options
-
USA & Canada: Willow TV
-
UK: Sky Sports Cricket
-
Australia: Fox Sports / Kayo
-
MENA Region: beIN Sports
(Note: Broadcaster information is subject to change and should be verified closer to the tournament start date.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the official IPL 2026 schedule be released by the BCCI?
The BCCI typically releases the official schedule a few weeks before the tournament starts. We expect it to be announced around February 2026.
How many matches will each team play in the league stage of IPL 2026?
Each of the 10 teams will play a total of 14 matches in the league stage—seven at their home venue and seven at away venues.
What are the standard start times for IPL matches in IST?
Matches on weekdays usually start at 7:30 PM IST. On weekends with double-headers, the first match starts at 3:30 PM IST and the second at 7:30 PM IST.
Will the IPL 2026 have a home-and-away format?
Yes, the home-and-away format, where each team plays at its home stadium, is expected to continue for IPL 2026.
How is the IPL points table calculated during the league stage?
Teams get two points for a win, one point for a no-result, and zero points for a loss. The top four teams with the most points qualify for the playoffs.
Which teams have qualified for the playoffs most often in IPL history?
Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians have historically been the most consistent teams, qualifying for the playoffs more often than any other franchise.
