IPL 2026 to begin with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru as BCCI unveils first-phase schedule
India Today
IPL 2026: The BCCI announced the schedule for the first 16 days of the 19th season of the IPL. Defending champions RCB will take on SunRisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on March 28 in the opening game.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced the schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026 on Wednesday, March 11. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening game of the 19th season at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28.
The IPL governing council has announced the schedule only for the first phase of the IPL, which will run from March 28 to April 12. A total of 20 matches, including four double-header days, will be played during this phase. Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam will dictate the remainder of the schedule for the cash-rich T20 tournament.
"As three states are scheduled to undergo State Assembly elections during this period, the full schedule of the tournament will be announced once the poll dates are announced," the IPL said in a statement.
However, the tournament will stick to its format and retain the same number of matches, with a total of 74 games scheduled for the season.
The opening weekend promises blockbuster action, as Mumbai Indians will take on Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, March 29, while Rajasthan Royals will host Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati on Monday, March 30.
A total of 20 matches will be played across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
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IPL 2026: The BCCI announced the schedule for the first 16 days of the 19th season of the IPL. Defending champions RCB will take on SunRisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on March 28 in the opening game.
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