Ipl 2026 match list

By Ananya Rao / 10.03.2026

IPL 2026 Match List Overview

The IPL 2026 season is set to be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring a total of 84 matches. Scheduled to commence on March 28, 2026, the tournament promises to deliver exciting cricket action across various venues in India.

The first match is expected to see the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS), continuing the fierce rivalry that has developed over the years. Star Sports announced, “Get ready! #TATAIPL2026 is all set to start from the 28th of MARCH!”

The tournament will follow a double round-robin format, allowing each team to compete against one another twice. This year, 10 teams will participate, making for an even more competitive environment.

Playoffs are scheduled to begin on May 26, 2026, with the first playoff match, Qualifier 1, also taking place in Bengaluru. The final match is set for May 31, 2026, in the same city, providing a grand conclusion to the season.

In a historical context, RCB ended their 18-year-long wait by winning the IPL 2025 trophy after defeating PBKS in the final, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch in the opening game of IPL 2026.

The complete IPL 2026 schedule will be released in two phases, primarily due to state elections affecting venue availability. As a result, the venues for Qualifier 2 and the Eliminator are likely to be either Ahmedabad or Raipur.

While the excitement builds for the upcoming season, details remain unconfirmed regarding the complete match schedule and the exact opponents for the first match. Observers are keenly awaiting further announcements from the BCCI.

As the IPL continues to grow in popularity, the 2026 season is expected to attract even more fans, both in stadiums and through broadcasts, further solidifying its status as one of the premier cricket leagues in the world.