Ipl 2026 start date in india

By Vikram Nair / 10.03.2026

IPL 2026 Start Date Announced

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced that the IPL 2026 will commence on March 28, 2026, in India. This season is expected to be particularly exciting, as it will feature a record total of 84 matches, the largest number in IPL history.

The opening match is anticipated to be a thrilling encounter between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Punjab Kings. This matchup is highly awaited, especially following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s victory in the previous season, where they ended an 18-year trophy drought.

Key Dates and Structure

The IPL 2026 season will follow a double round-robin format, ensuring that each team faces off against every other team twice. The playoffs are scheduled to begin on May 26, 2026, leading up to the final, which will take place on May 31, 2026.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host several key matches at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, adding to the excitement for local fans.

This announcement comes at a time when major state assembly elections are set to occur in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry between March and May 2026. These elections may impact the scheduling of matches, and details remain unconfirmed.

In the 2025 final, Royal Challengers Bengaluru scored 190 runs, while Punjab Kings managed 184. The performance of players like Sai Sudharsan, who scored 759 runs throughout the season, and Prasidh Krishna, who took 25 wickets, will be crucial as teams prepare for the upcoming season.

As fans eagerly await the start of IPL 2026, the cricketing community looks forward to a season filled with competitive spirit and memorable moments. The anticipation surrounding the opening match and the overall structure of the tournament promises an engaging experience for cricket enthusiasts across the nation.