The Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially announced the schedule for the first 20 matches of the IPL 2026 season, setting the stage for another thrilling edition of the world's biggest T20 league.
The tournament will begin on March 28, 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.
The opening phase of the competition features several exciting clashes including Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings, and a blockbuster Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings encounter. Matches will be played across multiple venues including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Mullanpur.
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IPL 2026 Opening Match and Early Fixtures
The season opener will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 in Bengaluru. The following day, Mumbai Indians will host Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium, marking the first weekend double-header of the season.
Rajasthan Royals will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 30 in Guwahati, which will serve as one of the Royals' home venues during the early phase of the tournament.
Other key fixtures in the first week include Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans in Mullanpur, Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals in Lucknow, and Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens.
IPL 2026 First 20 Matches Schedule
| Match No. | Date | Day | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 Mar 2026 | Saturday | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| 2 | 29 Mar 2026 | Sunday | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai |
| 3 | 30 Mar 2026 | Monday | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| 4 | 31 Mar 2026 | Tuesday | Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Mullanpur |
| 5 | 1 Apr 2026 | Wednesday | Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Lucknow |
| 6 | 2 Apr 2026 | Thursday | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata |
| 7 | 3 Apr 2026 | Friday | Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 8 | 4 Apr 2026 | Saturday | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Delhi |
| 9 | 4 Apr 2026 | Saturday | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | 5 Apr 2026 | Sunday | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad |
| 11 | 5 Apr 2026 | Sunday | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| 12 | 6 Apr 2026 | Monday | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | Kolkata |
| 13 | 7 Apr 2026 | Tuesday | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | Guwahati |
| 14 | 8 Apr 2026 | Wednesday | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Delhi |
| 15 | 9 Apr 2026 | Thursday | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata |
| 16 | 10 Apr 2026 | Friday | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati |
| 17 | 11 Apr 2026 | Saturday | Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mullanpur |
| 18 | 11 Apr 2026 | Saturday | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
| 19 | 12 Apr 2026 | Sunday | Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans | Lucknow |
| 20 | 12 Apr 2026 | Sunday | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai |
Double-Headers and Key Rivalries
The schedule also features multiple double-header days that promise plenty of action for fans. On April 4, Delhi Capitals will face Mumbai Indians in Delhi, followed by Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad.
Another major highlight comes on April 5, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Chennai Super Kings, a rivalry that consistently attracts massive viewership and fan engagement across the country.
Later fixtures include Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians (April 7) and Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 10), both scheduled in Guwahati.
First Phase Ends with MI vs RCB Clash
The first 20 matches conclude on April 12, with Mumbai Indians hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Wankhede Stadium. The match is expected to be one of the biggest contests of the early phase, given the star power in both squads.
With high-profile rivalries, multiple venues, and packed weekend double-headers, the opening phase of IPL 2026 promises intense competition and blockbuster entertainment for cricket fans around the world. The remaining schedule for the tournament is expected to be announced soon.
Vedant Sharma