The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the first 20 days schedule for the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The tournament will begin on March 28, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.
Punjab Kings will begin their campaign on 31 March, when they host Gujarat Titans at their home venue in New Chandigarh. The franchise will play four matches in the first 20 days of the tournament, including two home games and two away fixtures.
In the initial phase of the tournament, PBKS will have a balanced schedule with important clashes against Gujarat Titans, Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Their home matches will take place in New Chandigarh, which will once again serve as the primary home ground for the franchise this season.
Punjab Kings will kick off their season with a home fixture against Gujarat Titans on March 31. After their opening match, PBKS will travel to Chennai to face Chennai Super Kings on April 3 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Following the clash in Chennai, the team will head to Kolkata to play against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 6 at Eden Gardens. Punjab Kings will then return to their home venue in New Chandigarh to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 11 in their final match of the first phase.
PBKS IPL 2026 Schedule
Match | Date | Opponent | Venue |
Match 4 | 31 Mar 2026 | Gujarat Titans | New Chandigarh |
Match 7 | 3 Apr 2026 | Chennai Super Kings | Chennai |
Match 12 | 6 Apr 2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Kolkata |
Match 17 | 11 Apr 2026 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | New Chandigarh |
Punjab Kings Look to Make Strong Start in IPL 2026
Punjab Kings will be hoping to begin their IPL 2026 campaign on a positive note as they aim to improve their performance from previous seasons. With a mix of experienced players and exciting young talent in the squad, PBKS will look to build momentum early in the tournament.
The home matches in New Chandigarh are expected to attract strong support from fans, while away games against teams like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders will test the team early in the season.
With four crucial matches scheduled in the opening phase, Punjab Kings will be aiming to secure important points and establish their position in the standings before the tournament progresses further.
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 |