The IPL 2026 schedule for the first phase has officially been announced, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener. The opening match will take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28, 2026, marking the start of another exciting season of the Indian Premier League.
The early phase of the IPL 2026 schedule features several high-profile matchups as top franchises begin their campaigns across major cricket venues in India. Fans can expect intense rivalries, star performances, and packed stadiums as the tournament kicks off.
Opening Matches of IPL 2026
The season opener will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 in Bengaluru.
On March 29, five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will start their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will begin their season against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Guwahati on March 30. The match will be a key clash as both teams look to gain early momentum.
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Another interesting fixture in the first phase includes Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur on March 31, where the IPL 2025 finalists Punjab Kings will begin their new campaign.
Key Fixtures in the IPL 2026 Schedule
Several exciting matches are lined up in the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule:
| Match No. | Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 28, 2026 | RCB vs SRH | Bengaluru |
| 2 | March 29, 2026 | MI vs KKR | Mumbai |
| 3 | March 30, 2026 | RR vs CSK | Guwahati |
| 4 | March 31, 2026 | PBKS vs GT | Mullanpur |
| 5 | April 1, 2026 | LSG vs DC | Lucknow |
| 6 | April 2, 2026 | KKR vs SRH | Kolkata |
| 7 | April 3, 2026 | CSK vs PBKS | Chennai |
| 8 | April 4, 2026 | DC vs MI | Delhi |
| 9 | April 4, 2026 | GT vs RR | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | April 5, 2026 | SRH vs LSG | Hyderabad |
| 11 | April 5, 2026 | RCB vs CSK | Bengaluru |
| 12 | April 6, 2026 | KKR vs PBKS | Kolkata |
| 13 | April 7, 2026 | RR vs MI | Guwahati |
| 14 | April 8, 2026 | DC vs GT | Delhi |
| 15 | April 9, 2026 | KKR vs LSG | Kolkata |
| 16 | April 10, 2026 | RR vs RCB | Guwahati |
| 17 | April 11, 2026 | PBKS vs SRH | Mullanpur |
| 18 | April 11, 2026 | CSK vs DC | Chennai |
| 19 | April 12, 2026 | LSG vs GT | Lucknow |
| 20 | April 12, 2026 | MI vs RCB | Mumbai |
What to Expect from IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 schedule promises thrilling contests right from the opening week, with several classic rivalries such as RCB vs CSK, MI vs RCB, and KKR vs SRH set to capture fans’ attention.
With top international stars and emerging Indian talents participating, the new season is expected to deliver high-scoring matches, dramatic finishes, and intense competition across venues like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Mullanpur.
As the tournament begins on March 28, cricket fans around the world will be eagerly following the IPL 2026 schedule to see which team starts strong and builds momentum toward the playoffs.
Also Read: Top 5 Highest Individual Scores in IPL History, Most Runs in an Innings
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