IPL 2026 Schedule: Full Fixtures, Venues, and Match Timings (March 28 – May 24)

IPL 2026 Schedule

When Does IPL 2026 Start and End?

The tournament opens on March 28, 2026 (Saturday) and concludes its league stage on May 24, 2026 (Sunday).

All 10 teams play 14 matches each during the league phase, totaling 70 games before playoffs begin.

Match timings follow the standard IPL pattern with 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST slots.

Most weekends feature double headers, giving fans two matches on Saturdays and Sundays.

Weekday matches stick to the evening 7:30 PM slot to maximize viewership after work hours.

The schedule balances home advantage fairly. Each franchise hosts seven home matches while playing seven away games.

This creates a level playing field where team composition matters more than venue familiarity.

IPL 2026 Complete Fixture Table (March 28 – May 24)

Tournament Summary:

• Total Matches: 70 League Stage Matches
• Duration: March 28 – May 24, 2026 (58 days)
• Teams: 10 Franchises
• Matches Per Team: 14 (7 Home + 7 Away)
• Timings: 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST
• Venues: 13 Cities across India

Note: The complete 70-match table follows this format. Home teams appear in red, away teams in black for easy identification.

IPL 2026 Venues Breakdown

The tournament spreads across 13 cities, mixing traditional IPL strongholds with fresh locations. Guwahati makes its IPL debut, hosting Rajasthan Royals matches at the ACA Stadium.

This 40,000-capacity venue brings IPL cricket to India’s northeast for the first time.

Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium hosts the most matches with 10 games scheduled.

The iconic venue remains IPL’s spiritual home, where afternoon sea breeze and evening dew create distinct batting conditions.

Teams batting second often struggle here after 7 PM when moisture settles on the outfield.

Here’s the venue distribution:

• Mumbai – 10 matches
• Chennai – 8 matches
• Kolkata – 8 matches
• Ahmedabad – 7 matches
• Bengaluru – 7 matches
• Delhi – 7 matches
• Hyderabad – 7 matches
• Lucknow – 6 matches
• Jaipur – 4 matches
• Guwahati – 3 matches
• New Chandigarh – 3 matches
• Dharamshala – 3 matches
• Raipur – 3 matches

Dharamshala and Raipur add variety to the IPL 2026 time table. Dharamshala’s high-altitude setting makes it a six-hitting paradise but challenging for slower bowlers.

Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium offers a neutral venue where neither spin nor pace dominates.

Venue Characteristics That Impact Matches

• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai: The 33,000-capacity venue has short square boundaries (60-65 meters) but longer straight hits (70-75 meters). Spinners bowling into the breeze gain drift, while pacers target the stumps with yorkers when dew sets in. Average first innings scores hover around 175-180.
• MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai: Chepauk’s red soil wickets slow down as matches progress. First innings totals of 160-165 often prove match-winning here. Teams stacking three spinners gain an advantage, especially in May when the pitch crumbles under summer heat.
• Eden Gardens, Kolkata: India’s largest cricket venue (66,000 capacity) intimidates visiting teams. The black soil pitch offers consistent bounce but slows considerably by the 15th over. Batsmen struggle to clear long boundaries (70+ meters) when exhaustion kicks in during run chases.
• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: The world’s largest cricket stadium (132,000 capacity) hosts high-profile matches. The flat wicket supports 180+ scores, but the vast outfield makes quick singles difficult. Death bowling quality determines outcomes more than batting firepower.
• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru: This 40,000-capacity venue ranks among cricket’s highest-scoring grounds. Short boundaries (55-60 meters) and high altitude (900 meters above sea level) make the ball travel further. Totals crossing 200 are common, putting bowlers under immense pressure.
• Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi: Previously known as Feroz Shah Kotla, this 41,000-seater offers batting-friendly conditions. The black soil pitch behaves differently in March (pace-friendly) versus May (spin-friendly). Teams must adapt strategies based on when they’re playing here.

Month-by-Month Match Distribution

• March 2026

The season opens with just four matches in the final week of March. This soft launch lets teams find rhythm without overwhelming fixture congestion. RCB and SRH set the tone on March 28, followed by three more matches through March 31.

• April 2026

April carries the tournament’s bulk with 43 matches packed into 30 days. The schedule intensifies from April 4 onwards with regular double headers on weekends. Mid-April sees teams playing every 2-3 days, testing squad depth and injury management.

This month includes several high-stakes rivalries. Mumbai Indians face Chennai Super Kings twice in April, continuing cricket’s most-watched franchise rivalry. The April 23 clash in Mumbai and the reverse fixture on May 3 in Chennai could shape playoff positions.

• May 2026

The final 23 league matches happen in May’s first three weeks. Match intensity peaks here as playoff spots get finalized. Teams entering May with 5-6 wins face must-win situations, making every game a virtual knockout.

The league stage concludes on May 24 with a Sunday doubleheader. Kolkata hosts Delhi Capitals at 3:30 PM, while Chennai Super Kings take on Punjab Kings at 7:30 PM in the 70th match.

Key Rivalries and Must-Watch Matches

• The Opening Night Special

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 brings immediate excitement. Both teams struggled with middle-order consistency last season. Virat Kohli’s form against SRH’s pace attack sets the tone for RCB’s campaign. The Chinnaswamy’s short boundaries favor aggressive batting, but SRH’s variations could exploit early pressure.

• Mumbai vs Chennai Showdowns

These teams meet twice – April 23 in Mumbai and May 3 in Chennai. The rivalry transcends cricket into cultural pride battles. Mumbai’s 10 IPL finals appearances against Chennai’s five titles creates fascinating subtext. The head-to-head stands nearly even at 19-18, making each encounter unpredictable.

• Kolkata’s Eden Test

Kolkata hosts 8 matches at Eden Gardens, including crucial games against Mumbai, Chennai, and the Royal Challengers. The massive stadium’s turning pitches challenge visiting teams unfamiliar with Kolkata’s slow, low bounce. Teams carrying three spinners gain an advantage here.

• Final Week Drama

May 21-24 features four matches that’ll likely decide playoff berths. Chennai vs Gujarat on May 21, followed by SRH vs RCB on May 22, could eliminate teams or confirm playoffs. The IPL 2026 match schedule deliberately places competitive teams in late-stage clashes.

Team-Wise Schedule Analysis

• Mumbai Indians’ Home-Heavy Start

Mumbai plays four home matches in its first seven games, giving them early advantage. The Wankhede familiarity helps build momentum, but their April travel schedule looks brutal. They hop between Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Chennai within eight days mid-month. Squad depth matters here.

• Chennai Super Kings’ Balanced Run

CSK’s schedule spreads home matches evenly from early April through mid-May. They face four away games in hostile venues (Mumbai twice, Ahmedabad, Kolkata) that test their adaptability. The May 3 Chennai homecoming against Mumbai could decide playoff seeding.

• Royal Challengers’ Tough Middle Phase

RCB opens at home but then faces five away matches in 12 days through mid-April. This includes trips to Kolkata, Guwahati, and Mumbai, where their pace attack historically struggles. Their campaign’s success hinges on winning these away games early.

• Kolkata Knight Riders’ Eden Fortress

KKR plays six of eight home matches between April 2 and May 16. This extended home stretch lets them prepare Eden Gardens pitches favoring spin. Teams visiting Kolkata in May face deteriorating wickets where batting second becomes nearly impossible.

• Gujarat Titans’ Late Push

GT plays just two matches in March-early April, then faces fixture congestion from April 9 onwards. They play 12 matches in 31 days during peak summer heat in Ahmedabad. Their fitness levels and rotation strategies face maximum testing.

Understanding IPL 2026 Timings

The 3:30 PM slot presents unique challenges. Afternoon heat in cities like Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, and Chennai tests fitness levels.

Captains winning the toss almost always bowl first in day games, banking on dew assistance later.

Evening 7:30 PM matches offer better batting conditions initially. But dew becomes crucial after 9 PM, especially in coastal venues like Mumbai and Chennai.

Teams batting second gain a 15-20 run advantage when moisture makes gripping difficult for bowlers.

Double headers create tactical puzzles. Teams playing the second game on Sunday after traveling Saturday night face fatigue.

The IPL 2026 fixtures account for this with rest days between back-to-back games for most franchises.

Time Zone Considerations

Fans in different time zones can plan viewing accordingly.

West coast US viewers catch evening matches live at 7 AM local time, perfect for weekend breakfast viewing.

UK audiences get afternoon slots at 2 PM and 3 PM GMT, fitting well with lunch breaks.

Middle East fans enjoy prime-time evening slots at 4 PM and 5 PM local time.

Australian viewers face late-night scheduling, with matches starting at midnight to 1 AM AEDT.

The IPL 2026 match schedule’s consistency helps international fans establish viewing routines.

How the Schedule Affects Team Strategy?

• Travel Management

Teams face brutal travel weeks in April and May.

Consider Gujarat Titans playing in Ahmedabad on May 11, then flying to Dharamshala for May 12, before returning south to Lucknow on May 15.

This 3,000-kilometer circuit tests squad rotation strategies.

Smart franchises use their 25-player squads wisely during such stretches. Playing the first-choice XI consecutively risks injuries.

Rotating 3-4 players per match keeps everyone fresh for crucial late-stage games.

• Home Advantage Timing

Teams hosting multiple matches in April’s middle phase gain a psychological edge.

Chennai plays three home games between April 3 and 22, building momentum at Chepauk.

Their spin-heavy attack thrives on wearing pitches that grip more as tournaments progress.

Conversely, teams with scattered home matches struggle to build a fortress mentality.

The Rajasthan Royals play just three games at Jaipur, spread across April-May. This disrupts the home crowd advantage that typically lifts performance levels.

• Expert Insight

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar notes: “The IPL 2026 venues mix favors teams with versatile bowling attacks.

Guwahati’s fresh pitch assists pace early, while Dharamshala’s altitude makes cutters and slower balls ineffective.

Teams carrying specialist death bowlers plus quality spinners handle venue variety better than unbalanced attacks.”

This observation highlights why franchises chase all-rounders aggressively in auctions.

Players who bowl 3-4 overs and bat at numbers 6-7 provide flexibility when schedules force rotation due to fatigue.

IPL 2026 Ticket Booking and Stadium Access

• Booking Platforms

Tickets go live on BookMyShow and the District app 15-20 days before each match. Popular games like Mumbai vs Chennai sell out within hours. Early bird discounts typically offer 15-20% savings for advance purchases.

Official team websites provide season passes for home matches. These range from ₹8,000 to ₹50,000 depending on the seating category. Premium hospitality packages include food, beverages, and air-conditioned viewing areas.

• Price Ranges

General admission tickets start at ₹500 for weekday matches at venues like Lucknow and Raipur. Premium weekend games in Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata cost ₹1,500-₹3,000 for decent views. Corporate boxes go up to ₹1.5-2 lakhs for high-demand encounters.

Student discounts apply for afternoon matches on weekdays. Carrying a valid ID gets you 30-40% off at several venues, making IPL accessible for younger fans.

IPL 2026 Live Streaming – Broadcasting and Streaming Details

Star Sports Network holds television broadcasting rights across India.

Matches air on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, and regional language channels.

Commentary in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali caters to diverse audiences.

JioCinema streams all 70 matches live with no subscription fee.

The platform offers multi-camera angles, interactive stats, and player cams for immersive viewing.

Mobile data packs from Jio provide bundled access, making streaming affordable.

International viewers access matches through official broadcasters in their regions.

Countries with significant Indian diaspora populations receive dedicated commentary and pre-match shows tailored to local viewing times.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When does IPL 2026 start?

IPL 2026 begins on March 28, 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at 7:30 PM in Bengaluru.

• How many matches will be played in IPL 2026?

The league stage features 70 matches, with each of the 10 teams playing 14 games (7 home, 7 away) before playoffs begin.

• What are the new venues in IPL 2026?

Guwahati hosts IPL matches for the first time. Raipur and Dharamshala return as neutral venues, adding geographical variety to the schedule.

• What are IPL 2026 match timings?

Matches start at either 3:30 PM or 7:30 PM IST. Weekends feature double headers with afternoon and evening games.

• Where can I watch IPL 2026 matches?

Watch on Star Sports TV channels or stream live on the JioHostar app. All 70 league matches stream free on JioCinema with multiple language options.

Planning Your IPL 2026 Experience

The IPL 2026 schedule spread across India offers fans multiple opportunities to catch live action.

Weekend warriors can plan stadium trips combining cricket with local tourism.

Guwahati’s matches coincide with pleasant spring weather, perfect for exploring Assam’s tea gardens post-match.

Corporate groups booking boxes should target high-profile matches early.

The Mumbai vs Chennai encounter on April 23 and the opening match in Bengaluru will attract premium demand.

Booking 30 days ahead ensures better pricing and seating options.

For traveling fans, April’s mid-month stretch provides the best variety.

You can watch matches across 4-5 cities within 10 days, experiencing different stadium atmospheres and regional cricket cultures.

Just remember – IPL 2026 timings mean early evening starts, so plan travel accordingly to avoid missing first-ball excitement.

The tournament’s 58-day journey from March 28 to May 24 promises drama, records, and unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re tracking playoff races, fantasy league scores, or just soaking in T20 entertainment, this schedule delivers non-stop action.

Mark your calendars, book those tickets, and get ready for another spectacular IPL season.

Also Check:

• IPL 2026 Fan Parks
• IPL 2026 Injured Players List
• List of Players Who Left PSL to Join IPL
• IPL 2026 Venues
• IPL 2026 Sponsors List
• IPL 2026 Captains
• IPL 2026 Trade Rules
• Umpire Salary In IPL 2026
• IPL 2026 Tickets