IPL 2026 Schedule Full List: Complete Match Dates, Venues and Timings
The Indian Premier League 2026 is all set to be one of the most action-packed seasons in the history of the tournament. Cricket fans across the globe have been eagerly waiting for the full IPL 2026 schedule, and in this comprehensive guide, we bring you everything you need to know — from the opening match date to the grand final, venue breakdowns, match timings in IST, and everything in between. Whether you are a die-hard CSK fan, an RCB loyalist, or simply a cricket enthusiast who loves T20 action, this IPL 2026 schedule guide is your one-stop destination.
IPL 2026: Overview and Key Highlights
IPL 2026 marks the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League, organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The tournament continues to feature ten franchises competing in a round-robin group stage followed by the knockout playoffs. The league has grown exponentially since its inception in 2008, and 2026 promises to raise the bar even further with fresh talent emerging from the IPL 2026 mega auction and seasoned internationals returning to showcase their T20 brilliance.
The format remains consistent with previous years: each team plays 14 league stage matches (seven home, seven away), with the top four teams progressing to the playoffs. The playoffs consist of Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final. The total number of matches in IPL 2026 is expected to be 74, spread across approximately 60 days.
IPL 2026 Schedule: League Stage Overview
The IPL 2026 league stage is expected to begin in late March 2026 and run through late May 2026. Matches are scheduled to be played across various iconic cricket stadiums in India, giving home advantage to each of the ten franchises during their respective home leg of the tournament.
Based on BCCI’s scheduling patterns and venue allocation over recent seasons, here is what cricket fans can expect from the IPL 2026 schedule structure:
- Total League Stage Matches: 70
- Total Playoff Matches: 4
- Total Matches: 74
- Match Days Per Week: Typically 7 (with double headers on weekends)
- Evening Match Timing: 7:30 PM IST
- Afternoon Match Timing (Double Headers): 3:30 PM IST
IPL 2026 Opening Match
The IPL 2026 opening ceremony and first match is one of the most anticipated events on the cricketing calendar. Traditionally, the defending champions or the most popular franchise hosts the opening game. Based on scheduling trends, the opening match of IPL 2026 is expected to take place at a marquee venue such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, or Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The opening game typically features a clash between two high-profile teams to ensure maximum viewership. Matches like MI vs CSK, RCB vs MI, or CSK vs RCB have historically been used as openers due to their massive fan following and the guaranteed excitement these rivalries bring.
IPL 2026 Venues: Stadium-by-Stadium Breakdown
The BCCI allocates home venues to each franchise based on their home city and stadium capacity. Here is a look at the expected IPL 2026 venues:
Mumbai Indians — Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world. With a seating capacity of approximately 33,000, it is known for its electric atmosphere and batting-friendly pitches. MI’s home games at Wankhede are always sold out, and the crowd is among the loudest in the IPL.
Chennai Super Kings — MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Chepauk in Chennai is CSK’s fortress. The MA Chidambaram Stadium, with a capacity of around 38,000, has been CSK’s home ground since the inaugural IPL season. The pitch at Chepauk traditionally favors spinners, giving CSK a massive home advantage.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru — M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
RCB’s home ground is the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its short boundaries and high-scoring matches. The stadium holds approximately 35,000 spectators and is always a sell-out for RCB games, particularly when Virat Kohli is in the playing XI.
Kolkata Knight Riders — Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Eden Gardens is the largest cricket stadium in India and one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. With a capacity of over 66,000, KKR’s home games are always a grand spectacle. The atmosphere at Eden Gardens is unmatched, making it a favorite venue for both players and fans.
Delhi Capitals — Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
The Arun Jaitley Stadium in the heart of Delhi serves as DC’s home ground. With a capacity of around 35,000, the stadium is known for its fast and bouncy pitches that favor pace bowlers.
Sunrisers Hyderabad — Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
SRH’s home ground in Hyderabad is known for producing low-scoring, competitive games. The stadium holds around 55,000 spectators and the pitch typically assists swing bowling in the early overs.
Rajasthan Royals — Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
RR’s home in Jaipur is the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, with a capacity of 23,000. Despite being one of the smaller IPL venues, the atmosphere is electric and the pitch is known to be a good batting surface in the later overs.
Punjab Kings — Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali
PBKS plays their home games at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. The ground has one of the most batting-friendly pitches in the IPL, and high scores are a common feature here.
Gujarat Titans — Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium is the largest cricket stadium in the world with a capacity of over 132,000. GT’s home games here are always massive events, and the pitch offers a good balance between bat and ball.
Lucknow Super Giants — BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
LSG’s home ground in Lucknow has quickly become a favorite venue among players and fans. The stadium holds around 50,000 spectators and offers a balanced pitch.
IPL 2026 Playoff Schedule
The IPL 2026 playoffs are expected to begin in the last week of May 2026. The playoff format gives the top two teams an additional chance to qualify for the final, while teams finishing third and fourth have a single elimination game to fight through.
The playoff structure is as follows:
- Qualifier 1: 1st vs 2nd — Winner goes directly to the final
- Eliminator: 3rd vs 4th — Loser is eliminated
- Qualifier 2: Loser of Q1 vs Winner of Eliminator — Winner goes to the final
- Final: Winner of Q1 vs Winner of Q2
IPL 2026 Final: Date and Venue
The IPL 2026 final is expected to take place in late May or early June 2026. The BCCI traditionally selects a neutral venue or a high-capacity stadium for the final. Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai are the frontrunners to host the IPL 2026 final.
The final is the most watched cricket match of the year in India, often drawing television audiences of over 100 million viewers. Tickets for the final sell out within minutes of going on sale, making it one of the most sought-after sporting events in the country.
IPL 2026 Double Header Matches
One of the most fan-friendly aspects of the IPL schedule is the inclusion of double header matches on weekends. On these days, fans get to watch two full T20 matches — one starting at 3:30 PM IST and another at 7:30 PM IST. Double headers are typically scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the league stage.
Double header weekends are a bonanza for cricket fans and fantasy cricket players alike, giving them twice the action and twice the opportunity to score points. Broadcasters also love these days as they attract some of the highest television ratings of the IPL season.
How to Watch IPL 2026 Live
IPL 2026 will be broadcast across multiple platforms in India and internationally. JioCinema is expected to continue streaming IPL matches for free in India, while Star Sports Network will broadcast the matches on television. For international viewers, different broadcasters hold rights in their respective regions.
The free digital streaming of IPL on JioCinema has been a game-changer, allowing millions of fans without cable TV subscriptions to watch every match live in HD quality. Mobile users can download the JioCinema app and watch matches on the go without any subscription fee.
IPL 2026 Ticket Booking
Tickets for IPL 2026 matches can be booked through the official BCCI website, BookMyShow, and the official apps of each franchise. Tickets typically go on sale a few weeks before the start of the season, and high-demand games like MI vs CSK or RCB’s home games sell out within hours.
Prices range from affordable general stand tickets to premium hospitality boxes, ensuring that fans from all walks of life can experience the magic of IPL live at the stadium.
IPL 2026 Schedule: Key Dates to Remember
Here is a summary of the important dates in the IPL 2026 calendar:
- Auction Date: Expected in December 2025 / January 2026
- Season Start: Expected late March 2026
- Playoff Start: Expected late May 2026
- IPL 2026 Final: Expected early June 2026
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 schedule promises a spectacular summer of cricket. With 74 matches spread across iconic Indian venues, world-class players competing at the highest level, and the drama of the playoffs, IPL 2026 is set to be an unforgettable season. Bookmark this page for the latest schedule updates, venue changes, and match timing information. Stay tuned to CrickViews for comprehensive IPL 2026 coverage including live scores, match previews, player stats, and much more.
