The Indian Premier League is set to return with another exciting season as IPL 2026 prepares to begin on March 28, 2026. This will be the 19th edition of the tournament, continuing its reputation as one of the most watched cricket leagues in the world.
The opening match of the season will feature the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the famous M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The first phase of the tournament will include 20 matches across 10 venues, with the initial schedule running until April 12, 2026. The remaining fixtures are expected to be released later as authorities finalize logistics and security arrangements due to upcoming assembly elections in several states.
With new player transfers, expanded fixtures, and new ticketing options, IPL 2026 promises to be a major sporting event for cricket fans both in India and around the world.
IPL 2026 Opening Match and Season Overview
The opening match of IPL 2026 will see defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad. This match will set the tone for the season and is expected to attract millions of viewers across television and digital platforms.
Several major teams including Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Gujarat Titans will begin their campaigns within the first week of the tournament. The tournament continues to grow in size and popularity every year, with the 2026 season expected to feature 84 matches in total, an increase from the previous season. This expansion reflects the increasing demand for IPL cricket and the league’s rising global fan base.
IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule Highlights
Due to election-related scheduling constraints, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has currently released only the first phase of matches. Below are some key fixtures from the early part of the season.
- March 28, 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru at 7:30 PM IST
- March 29, 2026: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai at 7:30 PM IST
- April 4, 2026: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi at 3:30 PM IST
- April 4, 2026: Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad at 7:30 PM IST
- April 5, 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium at 3:30 PM IST
- April 5, 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru at 7:30 PM IST
Officials have also noted that matches scheduled in Bengaluru remain subject to final clearance from the Karnataka government’s security review committee.
Where to Watch IPL 2026 Live
Cricket fans around the world will have multiple options to watch IPL 2026 matches live.
Television Broadcast in India
Matches will be broadcast on the Star Sports network. Channels expected to show the matches include Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, and regional language channels such as Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada feeds. These channels will offer live coverage along with expert commentary and match analysis.
Online Streaming
Digital streaming of IPL 2026 will be available on JioHotstar, which combines the services previously offered by JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. Fans will be able to watch matches live through smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and laptops.
International Broadcasters
For fans outside India, several international networks will carry IPL matches. In the USA and Canada, Willow TV will broadcast the matches. Viewers in the United Kingdom and Europe can watch on Sky Sports, while those in Australia and New Zealand can tune in through Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. These broadcasting partnerships ensure IPL reaches millions of viewers across multiple continents.
IPL 2026 Tickets: Where and How to Buy
Fans who want to watch matches live in stadiums will have several ticket booking options.
Official Online Platforms
One of the main ticket booking platforms will be BookMyShow. This platform is expected to handle ticket sales for several franchises including Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.
Mobile Applications
Another option is District by Zomato, which has introduced a dedicated IPL 2026 ticket booking section. Fans can browse matches, select seats, and purchase tickets directly through the app.
Franchise Websites
Some teams also provide ticket booking links on their official websites, particularly for home matches. Teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings often release ticket links through their official channels.
Estimated Ticket Prices
Ticket prices for IPL matches can vary depending on stadium location and seating category. Typical ranges include standard seats from ₹450 to ₹4,500, and premium seating from ₹6,000 to ₹40,000 or more. Prices are usually higher for high-demand matches such as RCB versus CSK or Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings.
Player Transfers and Auction Highlights
The IPL 2026 season has also seen several interesting player transfers and auction highlights.
Biggest Auction Purchase
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green became the most expensive player in the IPL 2026 auction, signing with Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.20 crore. This move is expected to strengthen KKR’s middle order and bowling attack.
Major Player Trades
Several high-profile players have switched teams ahead of the new season. Sanju Samson moved from Rajasthan Royals to Chennai Super Kings, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran were traded from Chennai Super Kings to Rajasthan Royals. Mohammed Shami joined Lucknow Super Giants after leaving Sunrisers Hyderabad. These changes could significantly impact team balance during the upcoming season.
Player Replacement
Bangladesh fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman was released by Kolkata Knight Riders due to scheduling and venue complications. He has been replaced by Zimbabwe’s pace bowler Blessing Muzarabani.
Rising Uncapped Players
Two uncapped Indian players have also made headlines. Kartik Sharma and Prashant Veer were both signed by Chennai Super Kings for ₹14.20 crore each, making them among the most expensive uncapped players in IPL history.
Alternate Venues for IPL 2026 Matches
Due to logistical planning and stadium availability, some teams will use multiple home venues this season. Rajasthan Royals will host matches in Guwahati for three matches and Jaipur for four matches. Punjab Kings will split their matches between Chandigarh and Dharamshala. Royal Challengers Bengaluru will also host two matches in Raipur, providing fans in central India an opportunity to experience IPL action live.
Conclusion
IPL 2026 is shaping up to be another blockbuster season with new player transfers, expanded matches, and global broadcasting coverage. With the tournament starting on March 28, 2026, cricket fans can expect exciting rivalries, packed stadiums, and high-quality T20 action over the coming weeks.
The release of the first phase schedule has already generated massive excitement, and the remaining fixtures are expected to be announced soon by the BCCI. As the countdown begins, millions of cricket fans in India and around the world are preparing for another thrilling season of IPL cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 begins on March 28, 2026, with the opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Which teams are playing in the opening match?
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
How many matches will be played in IPL 2026?
The 2026 season is expected to feature 84 matches in total, an increase from the previous season.
Where can I watch IPL 2026 live on television?
Matches will be broadcast on the Star Sports network in India, including Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, and regional language channels.
Where can I stream IPL 2026 matches online?
Digital streaming will be available on JioHotstar, which combines the services previously offered by JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.
How can I buy tickets for IPL 2026 matches?
Tickets can be purchased through BookMyShow, District by Zomato app, and official franchise websites.
What are the estimated ticket prices for IPL matches?
Standard seats range from ₹450 to ₹4,500, while premium seating ranges from ₹6,000 to ₹40,000 or more depending on the match and venue.
Who was the most expensive player in IPL 2026 auction?
Australian all-rounder Cameron Green was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.20 crore, making him the most expensive player.
Which major player transfers happened before IPL 2026?
Sanju Samson moved to Chennai Super Kings, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran joined Rajasthan Royals, and Mohammed Shami signed with Lucknow Super Giants.
Are there any alternate venues for IPL 2026 matches?
Yes, Rajasthan Royals will play in Guwahati and Jaipur, Punjab Kings in Chandigarh and Dharamshala, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru will host two matches in Raipur.