IPL 2026 Schedule: Match Dates, Venues, Timings & Fixtures

Every year, the Indian summer brings with it one of the biggest cricket tournaments in the world, the Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL 2026 season promises to deliver yet another thrilling mix of explosive batting, world-class bowling, nail-biting finishes, and unforgettable moments. For cricket fans across India and beyond, it is more than just a tournament; it is a festival that unites millions of viewers.

At Vi, we know how important it is for fans to stay connected to every six, wicket, and super over. That’s why we make it easy to watch the action live on the go with our mobile plans that include access to JioHotstar and the Vi Movies & TV App. Before the tournament begins, let’s take a closer look at the IPL 2026 schedule, match dates, venues, timings, and fixtures so you can plan your viewing experience.

Overview of IPL 2026

The IPL 2026 edition features ten competitive franchises battling it out for the coveted trophy over several weeks of high-intensity T20 cricket. Each team will play multiple matches during the league stage before the top teams advance to the playoffs.

The participating teams in IPL 2026 include:

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
4. Mumbai Indians (MI)
5. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
6. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
7. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
8. Gujarat Titans (GT)
9. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
10. Delhi Capitals (DC)

With a mix of seasoned international stars and emerging Indian talent, the league continues to be one of the most competitive T20 tournaments in the world.

IPL 2026 Venues

The IPL 2026 matches will be hosted across several iconic cricket venues in India. Each stadium brings its own unique atmosphere and playing conditions, making the tournament even more exciting.

Some of the key venues hosting matches this season include:

• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
• ACA Stadium, Guwahati
• New PCA Stadium, Chandigarh
• BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

These venues are known for their passionate crowds and electrifying matchday environments. Whether it’s the roaring fans in Mumbai or the intense atmosphere in Kolkata, every ground adds to the magic of the IPL.

IPL 2026 Format

The tournament follows the familiar IPL structure that fans love.

League Stage

All ten teams compete in the league phase, playing multiple matches against other franchises. Points are awarded for wins, and teams are ranked on the points table.

Playoffs

The top four teams advance to the playoffs:

• Qualifier 1
• Eliminator
• Qualifier 2
• Final

This format ensures that consistency throughout the season is rewarded, while still allowing dramatic comebacks in the knockout stages.

IPL 2026 Match Timings

Most matches in IPL 2026 will begin at 7:30 PM IST, which is the traditional prime-time slot for IPL games. On weekends and double-header days, fans can enjoy an afternoon match starting at 3:30 PM IST, followed by an evening game at 7:30 PM IST. This schedule allows fans to catch the action after work or enjoy a full day of cricket during the weekends.

IPL 2026 Schedule: First 20 Matches

Here is the schedule for the first 20 matches of IPL 2026, including dates, venues, and timings.

Match	Date	Day	Matchup	Venue	Time (IST)
1	28/03/26	Sat	RCB vs SRH	Bengaluru	19:30
2	29/03/26	Sun	MI vs KKR	Mumbai	19:30
3	30/03/26	Mon	RR vs CSK	Guwahati	19:30
4	31/03/26	Tue	PBKS vs GT	Chandigarh	19:30
5	01/04/26	Wed	LSG vs DC	Lucknow	19:30
6	02/04/26	Thu	KKR vs SRH	Kolkata	19:30
7	03/04/26	Fri	CSK vs PBKS	Chennai	19:30
8	04/04/26	Sat	DC vs MI	Delhi	15:30
9	04/04/26	Sat	GT vs RR	Ahmedabad	19:30
10	05/04/26	Sun	SRH vs LSG	Hyderabad	15:30
11	05/04/26	Sun	RCB vs CSK	Bengaluru	19:30
12	06/04/26	Mon	KKR vs PBKS	Kolkata	19:30
13	07/04/26	Tue	RR vs MI	Guwahati	19:30
14	08/04/26	Wed	DC vs GT	Delhi	19:30
15	09/04/26	Thu	KKR vs LSG	Kolkata	19:30
16	10/04/26	Fri	RR vs RCB	Guwahati	19:30
17	11/04/26	Sat	PBKS vs SRH	Chandigarh	15:30
18	11/04/26	Sat	CSK vs DC	Chennai	19:30
19	12/04/26	Sun	LSG vs GT	Lucknow	15:30
20	12/04/26	Sun	MI vs RCB	Mumbai	19:30

The second set of fixtures is slated to be declared by the governing body soon.

Why Vi is the Best Way to Watch IPL 2026

Cricket fans today want flexibility; they want to watch matches anytime and anywhere. That’s exactly where Vi’s entertainment-packed mobile plans come into play. With select Vi plans, we provide access to JioHotstar, where IPL matches are streamed live, along with the Vi Movies & TV App, which brings together a wide range of entertainment content in one place.

Seamless Streaming Experience

Our network is designed to keep you connected to every moment of the match. Whether you’re commuting, travelling, or relaxing at home, you can stream matches smoothly on your smartphone.

Competitive Cricket Streaming Packs

We offer several convenient options for fans who want quick and affordable access to live matches.

Some popular add-on plans include:

• ₹44 Plan – A quick and budget-friendly option to unlock streaming access for IPL viewing.
• ₹101 Plan – A balanced pack that gives extended access along with additional benefits.
• ₹175 Plan – Ideal for fans who want longer viewing access and uninterrupted match streaming.

These packs allow fans to tune into IPL matches without committing to expensive long-term subscriptions. Users can also use reward points while recharging on the Vi App.

Entertainment Beyond Cricket

With the Vi Movies & TV App, you don’t just get cricket; you also gain access to movies, TV shows, and a variety of entertainment content. This means your mobile plan doubles as a full entertainment package.

Get Ready for an Exciting IPL Season

The IPL 2026 schedule sets the stage for weeks of thrilling cricket, featuring intense rivalries, unforgettable performances, and edge-of-the-seat finishes. With matches taking place across some of India’s most iconic stadiums, fans can expect electrifying atmospheres and

world-class cricket action. From the opening clash between RCB and SRH to marquee encounters like MI vs KKR and CSK vs DC, the early fixtures already promise high-voltage entertainment.

At Vi, we make sure you never miss a moment of the tournament. With our convenient mobile plans that include access to JioHotstar and the Vi Movies & TV App, watching IPL matches live becomes easier than ever, wherever you are. So, mark your calendars, wear your colours, and get ready for another spectacular season of IPL cricket. With the right Vi plan, the stadium atmosphere can travel with you, right in your pocket.

Excited for the IPL season? Dive into IPL 2026 Team Previews: Strengths, Weaknesses & Best XI to get a closer look at each team’s squad and strategy. From key players to possible match-winning combinations, it’s all covered. You can also check Where & How to Watch IPL 2026 Live with Vi to make sure you don’t miss a single match of the action-packed tournament. 🏏