The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has released the initial fixtures for the 2026 TATA Indian Premier League, covering the period from March 28 to April 12. Since three states are due to hold Assembly elections during this window, the board has opted for a phased rollout; the remaining schedule will only be confirmed once the polling dates are finalised. The 19th edition of the world's premier T20 competition is set for a blockbuster start, as the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, welcome Sunrisers Hyderabad to the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The opening stage consists of 20 matches across 10 cities, with traditional venues like Mumbai and Chennai being joined by New Chandigarh and Guwahati. There will be four double-headers in two weeks’ time, with games kicking off in the afternoons at 3:30 pm and in the evenings at 7:30 pm IST. Following Saturday’s opening contest, it is Mumbai’s turn on Sunday, with the Indians taking on Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium.
The first of the double-header weekends arrives on April 4, starting with Delhi Capitals taking on Mumbai Indians, followed by a high-profile evening encounter between Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad. Notably, Rajasthan Royals will begin their home journey in Guwahati, hosting both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians there, while Punjab Kings are slated to play their initial home games at the new PCA Stadium in Chandigarh.
There are some logistical caveats to this year's planning. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will split their home fixtures between their base in Bengaluru and Raipur, while Punjab and Rajasthan will also move several home games to Dharamshala and Jaipur, respectively, later in the season.
Crucially, the matches in Bengaluru remain subject to a final green light from a Karnataka Government expert committee. An inspection and a full-scale "mock match-day" are scheduled for March 13 to ensure the M Chinnaswamy Stadium is fully equipped to handle the crowds and security requirements of the IPL.
Also read: K'taka gives nod to conduct IPL matches at M Chinnaswamy Stadium
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