IPL 2026 Schedule: Fixtures, Venues & Streaming Guide

The cricket world’s biggest party is back. Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially dropped the full schedule for TATA IPL 2026India, and it’s shaping up to be a massive affair. The 19th edition kicks off on March 28, 2026, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru looking to retain their title against all odds.

Here’s the thing: while the dates are set, there’s some noise about the total number of matches. One source says 84 games; another claims 74. But what isn’t debated is the spectacle. From the opening thrill in Bengaluru to the grand finale in Ahmedabad, this tournament promises non-stop action across 13 venues.

The Opening Weekend: Who Plays Where?

If you’re planning your calendar, mark these early dates. The tournament doesn’t just start; it explodes. Match 1 features the reigning champs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, March 28, at 7:30 PM IST.

But wait, the drama continues immediately. On Sunday, March 29, Mumbai Indians clash with Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai. By Monday, March 30, the action moves north to Guwahati, where Rajasthan Royals face Chennai Super Kings. It’s a tight schedule designed to keep fans glued to their screens from day one.

• Match 1: RCB vs SRH (Bengaluru) - March 28
• Match 2: MI vs KKR (Mumbai) - March 29
• Match 3: RR vs CSK (Guwahati) - March 30
• Match 4: PBKS vs GT (Mullanpur) - March 31
• Match 5: LSG vs DC (Lucknow) - April 1

Venue Shifts and Secondary Homes

This year sees some interesting venue shuffles. While 12 venues return as home grounds, there are notable changes. For instance, the ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is out as a secondary home for Delhi Capitals. Instead, Delhi Capitals fans will look elsewhere for familiar turf.

On the flip side, the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur makes a comeback, hosting two matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It’s a nod to history—this ground hosted Delhi Daredevils’ secondary games until 2016. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals get three games each at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala and ACA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam, respectively. These shifts aren’t just logistical; they’re about spreading the IPL fever to more cities.

The Playoff Path: High Stakes Ahead

The league stage wraps up on May 24, 2026. Then comes the crunch time. The top four teams advance to the playoffs, starting May 26. Here’s how the knockout phase breaks down:

1. Qualifier 1: Tuesday, May 26, at HPCA Cricket Stadium, Dharamsala (7:30 PM IST)
2. Eliminator: Wednesday, May 27, at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, New Chandigarh (7:30 PM IST)
3. Qualifier 2: Friday, May 29, at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, New Chandigarh (7:30 PM IST)
4. Final: Sunday, May 31, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad (7:30 PM IST)

Note that Qualifier 1 winner gets a direct shot at the final, while the loser drops to Qualifier 2. It’s a brutal format, but that’s what makes T20 cricket so addictive.

The Grand Finale in Ahmedabad

All roads lead to Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This colossal arena, with a capacity of 132,000, is the world’s largest cricket stadium. It’s hosting its fourth IPL final (after 2022, 2023, and 2025), proving its status as the crown jewel of Indian cricket venues.

Gates open at 4:30 PM on May 31. Expect over one lakh fans holding their breath through every over. The event is kid-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and promises three hours of pure adrenaline. As ticketing listings describe it: "The ultimate IPL showdown where every ball could decide IPL glory."

How to Watch: Broadcasting and Streaming

You don’t need to be in the stands to feel the heat. In India, Star Sports Network holds the TV rights. You can catch live coverage on Star Sports 1 in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, plus HD variants.

For digital viewers, JioHotstar is the go-to platform. This merged service of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar streams all matches live on Android, iOS, web browsers, and smart TVs. Jio mobile users can also access feeds via the JioTV app, while Airtel subscribers use Airtel Xstream. If you’re abroad or just want stats, the official IPL website offers ball-by-ball updates and highlights.

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