New Delhi : The IPL 2026 schedule for the first phase of the tournament has been officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Due to assembly elections in several Indian states, the fixtures for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League will be released in two phases.
According to the IPL 2026 schedule, the season will begin on March 28, 2026, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
20 Matches in IPL 2026 Phase 1
As per the announced IPL 2026 schedule, the first phase of the tournament will feature 20 matches played between March 28 and April 12. The phase will also include four double-header days, giving fans multiple games on the same day.
Following IPL tradition, the defending champions will play the opening match, which is why Royal Challengers Bengaluru will start the season at their home ground.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play four matches in the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule:
- March 28: RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bengaluru
- April 5: RCB vs Chennai Super Kings, Bengaluru
- April 10: Rajasthan Royals vs RCB, Guwahati
- April 12: Mumbai Indians vs RCB, Mumbai
Chennai Super Kings – IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule
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Chennai Super Kings will also play four matches during this phase:
- March 30: Rajasthan Royals vs CSK, Guwahati
- April 3: CSK vs Punjab Kings, Chennai
- April 5: RCB vs CSK, Bengaluru
- April 11: CSK vs Delhi Capitals, Chennai
Mumbai Indians – IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians will play four matches in the first phase:
- March 29: MI vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai
- April 4: Delhi Capitals vs MI, Delhi
- April 7: Rajasthan Royals vs MI, Guwahati
- April 12: MI vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Mumbai
Exciting Start to IPL 2026
With the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule now officially released, fans can look forward to several blockbuster clashes involving top franchises. The tournament is expected to gain momentum quickly as teams battle for early dominance before the second phase fixtures are announced.
The IPL 2026 schedule promises thrilling contests right from the opening week, setting the stage for another exciting season of the world’s biggest T20 league.