Indian Premier League 2026 is all set to begin from March 28, the official broadcasters Star Sports confirmed ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup on Sunday.
BCCI is expected to release the schedule of IPL 2026 in two parts and the first part of it likely to be announced on Monday. With 20 days left for the start of IPL 2026, the teams have already running preparatory camps.
The announcement of IPL 2026 start date was delayed by BCCI because of the uncertainty
around the home venues for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Rajasthan Royals (RR),
along with the assembly elections is certain states. It has been learnt that venues would
be decided based on the election dates across states so that matches don’t clash and the
polls are held seamlessly.
BCCI are unable to finalise the complete fixtures of IPL 2026 because the Election Commission of India is yet to finalise the polling dates.
RCB are the defending champions and they will play the first match of IPL 2026 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. Their opponent team would be known once the BCCI announces the IPL 2026 schedule, which is expected to be announced on Monday.
RCB ended their 18-year trophy drought and clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final. RCB posted 190 for 9, and Punjab were restricted at 184 for 7, with Krunal Pandya named Player of the Match.
While, Sai Sudharsan of the Gujarat Titans won the Orange Cap with 759 runs, while Prasidh Krishna took the Purple Cap with 25 wickets in IPL 2025.
IPL 2025 also saw emerging talent make headlines, including teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who became the youngest IPL debutant and scored a record-breaking century aged just 14.
