IPL 2026 to Start on March 28; Schedule Release Planned in Two Phases

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season will begin on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting the opening match, likely against Punjab Kings. The tournament expands to 84 matches across 10 cities, with the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium hosting five RCB home games, Qualifier 1, and the final. Due to upcoming state assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu, the BCCI plans a two-phase schedule release, announcing fixtures for the first 15-20 days soon and the remainder after election dates are finalized.