 "RCB will face CSK in Bengaluru in the evening match on April 5. Image: AFP")
The IPL 2026 season is set to begin on Saturday, March 28, with the opening clash between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. There are several exciting weekend matches also set to take place in the first phase of the tournament.
The BCCI has only announced the schedule for the first phase, which will be played from March 28 to April 12, featuring 20 matches across 10 venues. This is because the election dates for several states are pending, and the full fixtures will be unveiled after the polling dates are finalised.
After the RCB vs SRH game, the very next day will see another blockbuster clash as Mumbai Indians face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Big weekend clashes in IPL 2026
Fans will get several exciting matches during weekends in the first phase of the tournament. The first double-header of the season will be played on Saturday, April 4, when Delhi Capitals meet Mumbai Indians in the afternoon game at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. Later that evening, Gujarat Titans will face Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Another big Sunday will follow on April 5. IPL 2024 finalists Sunrisers Hyderabad will host Lucknow Super Giants in the afternoon match in Hyderabad. In the evening, fans will see a high-profile clash when Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru.
The next weekend will also feature a double-header on April 11. Punjab Kings will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in the afternoon at New Chandigarh. The evening match will see Chennai Super Kings host Delhi Capitals in Chennai.
The opening phase will end with another big Sunday on April 12. Lucknow Super Giants will face Gujarat Titans in the afternoon game in Lucknow. Later in the evening, Mumbai Indians will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium.
Quick Reads
View AllIPL 2026 Schedule
| Match No | Date | Day | Time | Home | Away | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28/03/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| 2 | 29/03/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Mumbai Indians | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai |
| 3 | 30/03/26 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| 4 | 31/03/26 | Tue | 7:30 PM | Punjab Kings | Gujarat Titans | New Chandigarh |
| 5 | 01/04/26 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Lucknow Super Giants | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow |
| 6 | 02/04/26 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata |
| 7 | 03/04/26 | Fri | 7:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 8 | 04/04/26 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Delhi Capitals | Mumbai Indians | Delhi |
| 9 | 04/04/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | 05/04/26 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad |
| 11 | 05/04/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| 12 | 06/04/26 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings | Kolkata |
| 13 | 07/04/26 | Tue | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai Indians | Guwahati |
| 14 | 08/04/26 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Delhi Capitals | Gujarat Titans | Delhi |
| 15 | 09/04/26 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata |
| 16 | 10/04/26 | Fri | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati |
| 17 | 11/04/26 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Punjab Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad | New Chandigarh |
| 18 | 11/04/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
| 19 | 12/04/26 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Lucknow Super Giants | Gujarat Titans | Lucknow |
| 20 | 12/04/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai |
Where can I watch IPL 2026 LIVE?
The 19th season of the Indian Premier League will be telecast live on the Star Sports network, and will be streamed live on the JioHotstar app and website.