Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will open the Indian Premier League 2026 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28, marking RCB’s seventh IPL opener appearance.
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Schedule Released in Two Phases
The BCCI unveiled the schedule for Phase 1 of IPL 2026 on Wednesday, comprising 20 matches through April 12. The remainder will be finalized after election dates are announced for West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam.
Since 2008, IPL schedules have been announced in phases during general or state assembly elections to coordinate with democratic processes.
Opening Weekend Fixtures
Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders clash at Wankhede Stadium on March 29. Rajasthan Royals host Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati, where Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja face their former franchises following the off-season trade involving Sam Curran.
The following weekends feature double-headers on Saturday and Sunday. RCB face Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru on April 5, while Mumbai Indians host RCB on April 12.
Stadium Safety Clearance
Matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium require clearance from a Karnataka government expert committee following a June 2025 stampede during RCB’s victory celebrations that claimed 11 lives.
The committee will inspect the stadium on March 13, 2026, conducting a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements to assess preparedness. The venue has been cleared but awaits final approval.
Historical Context
This is the second RCB-SRH opener; they previously met in 2017 when SRH were defending champions. For SRH, this is their second IPL opener appearance; for RCB, their seventh. All ten teams play four games in Phase 1.
Multiple Home Grounds
Rajasthan Royals will play three Phase 1 home matches in Guwahati before moving to Jaipur for their remaining four fixtures. Punjab Kings will play four home games in Mullanpur and three in Dharamsala. RCB will play two home games in Raipur, while Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings will play two home matches each at their primary venues during Phase 1.
Tournament Structure
Every IPL season with ten teams features two virtual groups, with each team meeting teams in their own group twice and opposite group teams once during the league stage.
Election Coordination
The phased schedule reflects coordination with election authorities in states hosting IPL teams. Security deployment must be split between election duties and match-day requirements. The complete schedule will be announced once election dates are finalized.
Complete Phase 1 Schedule
| Match | Date | Day | Home Team | Away Team | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28/03/26 | Sat | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| 2 | 29/03/26 | Sun | Mumbai Indians | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai |
| 3 | 30/03/26 | Mon | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| 4 | 31/03/26 | Tue | Punjab Kings | Gujarat Titans | Mullanpur |
| 5 | 01/04/26 | Wed | Lucknow Super Giants | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow |
| 6 | 02/04/26 | Thu | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata |
| 7 | 03/04/26 | Fri | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 8 | 04/04/26 | Sat | Delhi Capitals | Mumbai Indians | Delhi |
| 9 | 04/04/26 | Sat | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | 05/04/26 | Sun | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad |
| 11 | 05/04/26 | Sun | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| 12 | 06/04/26 | Mon | Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings | Kolkata |
| 13 | 07/04/26 | Tue | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai Indians | Guwahati |
| 14 | 08/04/26 | Wed | Delhi Capitals | Gujarat Titans | Delhi |
| 15 | 09/04/26 | Thu | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata |
| 16 | 10/04/26 | Fri | Rajasthan Royals | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati |
| 17 | 11/04/26 | Sat | Punjab Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mullanpur |
| 18 | 11/04/26 | Sat | Chennai Super Kings | Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
| 19 | 12/04/26 | Sun | Lucknow Super Giants | Gujarat Titans | Lucknow |
| 20 | 12/04/26 | Sun | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai |
Looking Ahead
RCB will look to become the first team to successfully defend their title since Chennai Super Kings. The complete schedule will be announced following election date declarations. With RCB opening against SRH and marquee weekend matchups, IPL 2026 promises to captivate cricket fans worldwide.
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FAQs
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 begins on March 28, 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Why is the IPL 2026 schedule released in two phases?
Due to upcoming elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam, requiring coordination with election authorities before finalizing the complete schedule.
How many matches are in IPL 2026 Phase 1?
Phase 1 comprises 20 matches from March 28 through April 12, with all ten teams playing four games each.
Where will Rajasthan Royals play their home matches?
Rajasthan Royals will play three home matches in Guwahati during Phase 1, then move to Jaipur for their remaining four home fixtures.
Is the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium cleared to host IPL matches?
The Karnataka government has cleared the venue, but matches remain subject to final approval from an expert committee conducting a safety inspection on March 13, 2026.
