The much-anticipated schedule for the opening phase of the 2026 edition of the Indian Premier League has been unveiled, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru beginning their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener on March 28, 2026. The league organisers have confirmed the first 20 fixtures to be played across 10 venues in the first phase—Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
The opening match will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru; however, organisers have clarified that all home games scheduled for RCB this season remain subject to clearance by the authorities. Meanwhile, star-studded Chennai Super Kings will launch their 2026 campaign against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30. While Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders will face off in a blockbuster clash on March 29.
All 20 fixtures:
March 28 - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Bengaluru - 7:30PM IST
March 29 - Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Mumbai - 7:30PM IST
March 30 - Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings - Guwahati - 7:30PM IST
March 31 - Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans - Mullanpur - 7:30PM IST
April 1 - Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals - Lucknow - 7:30PM IST
April 2 - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Kolkata - 7:30PM IST
April 3 - Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings - Chennai - 7:30PM IST
April 4 - Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians - Delhi - 3:30PM IST
April 4 - Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals - Ahmedabad - 7:30PM IST
April 5 - Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants - Hyderabad - 3:30PM IST
April 5 - Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings - Bengaluru - 7:30PM IST
April 6 - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings - Kolkata - 7:30PM IST
April 7 - Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians - Guwahati - 7:30PM IST
April 8 - Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans - Delhi - 7:30PM IST
April 9 - Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants - Kolkata - 7:30PM IST
April 11 - Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad - Mullanpur - 3:30PM IST
April 11 - Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals - Chennai - 7:30PM IST
April 12 - Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans - Lucknow - 3:30PM IST
April 12 - Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Mumbai - 7:30PM IST