The first phase of IPL fixtures for the 2026 season was announced on March 11, with the tournament set to start on March 20 in Bengaluru. The full list of fixtures is yet to be announced, given the state elections across India. BCCI Vice-President, Rajeev Shukla has hinted at the final date for the announcement of the IPL fixtures.
Rajeev Shukla said that the IPL will go ahead as planned and on schedule. He further added that the schedule for the remaining matches will be released after the Election Commission announces the dates for the states going to the election.
“IPL will be held on schedule. We have released the schedule for 20 matches. The schedule for remaining matches will be released after the Election Commission announces the dates for states going to the election.” Rajeev Shukla said.
The announcement of the full list of IPL schedule is delayed due to elections in Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu.
The IPL is set to start on March 28 with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening fixture. RCB are the defending champions, having won their maiden title in IPL 2025, beating the Punjab Kings in the final.
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RCB to kick start the IPL 2026 on March 28
Royal Challenger Bengaluru will start the 19th season of the Indian Premier League against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The defending champions will be aiming for yet another successful campaign after winning the tournament for the first time ever in 2025.
Another marquee clash is between the Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders on the first Sunday of the tournament. Both teams are two of the most successful teams in IPL history, adding to the intrigue.
Among other big matches is the RCB against CSK clash in Bengaluru, and the RCB against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. The defending champions will hope for inspiration from Virat Kohli as they look to defend their IPL crown.
The second phase of IPL 2026 fixtures will be announced after the Election Commission announces the date of elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Assam and Tamil Nadu.
