The much-awaited IPL 2026 season is all set to kick off with exciting clashes between top teams. Cricket fans can expect thrilling encounters, nail-biting finishes, and high-voltage action right from the opening match.
In this article, we bring you the complete schedule of the first 20 IPL 2026 matches, including match dates, teams, venues, and timings.
IPL 2026 Opening Match Details
The tournament begins with a blockbuster clash:
- Match: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Date: March 28, 2026
- Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
- Time: 7:30 PM (IST)
This opening match will set the tone for an action-packed season.
IPL 2026 Match Schedule (First 20 Matches)
| Match No | Date | Teams | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 28 | RCB vs SRH | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 2 | Mar 29 | MI vs KKR | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
| 3 | Mar 30 | RR vs CSK | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 4 | Mar 31 | PBKS vs GT | Chandigarh | 7:30 PM |
| 5 | Apr 1 | LSG vs DC | Lucknow | 7:30 PM |
| 6 | Apr 2 | KKR vs SRH | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 7 | Apr 3 | CSK vs PBKS | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 8 | Apr 4 | DC vs MI | Delhi | 3:30 PM |
| 9 | Apr 4 | GT vs RR | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM |
| 10 | Apr 5 | SRH vs LSG | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM |
| 11 | Apr 5 | RCB vs CSK | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM |
| 12 | Apr 6 | KKR vs PBKS | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 13 | Apr 7 | RR vs MI | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 14 | Apr 8 | DC vs GT | Delhi | 7:30 PM |
| 15 | Apr 9 | KKR vs LSG | Kolkata | 7:30 PM |
| 16 | Apr 10 | RR vs RCB | Guwahati | 7:30 PM |
| 17 | Apr 11 | PBKS vs SRH | Chandigarh | 3:30 PM |
| 18 | Apr 11 | CSK vs DC | Chennai | 7:30 PM |
| 19 | Apr 12 | LSG vs GT | Lucknow | 3:30 PM |
| 20 | Apr 12 | MI vs RCB | Mumbai | 7:30 PM |
Venues Hosting IPL 2026 Matches
IPL 2026 matches will be played across iconic stadiums in India:
- Bengaluru – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Mumbai – Wankhede Stadium
- Chennai – MA Chidambaram Stadium
- Kolkata – Eden Gardens
- Delhi – Arun Jaitley Stadium
- Ahmedabad – Narendra Modi Stadium
- Hyderabad – Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium
- Lucknow – Ekana Cricket Stadium
- Guwahati – Barsapara Stadium
- Chandigarh – Mullanpur Stadium
Match Timings
- Evening Matches: 7:30 PM IST
- Afternoon Matches: 3:30 PM IST
Fans can enjoy double-header matches on weekends, making the tournament even more exciting.
Final Thoughts
The IPL 2026 season promises to deliver non-stop cricket action with intense competition among all teams. Every match plays a crucial role in shaping the points table and playoff race.
Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, predictions, and Dream11 tips throughout the season.