IPL 2026 schedule phase 1 announced with RCB facing SRH in the opening match on March 28 in Bengaluru. Check the first 20 fixtures and key clashes.
Big IPL 2026 Schedule Reveal: RCB Begin Title Defence Against SRH
The IPL 2026 schedule for the opening phase of the tournament has officially been revealed, confirming that defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
The opening match of the Indian Premier League 2026 will take place on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, setting the stage for another exciting season of T20 cricket.
For now, the BCCI has announced only the first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, which includes 20 matches running until April 12. The full schedule for the rest of the tournament will be released later once the dates for assembly elections in several Indian states are confirmed.
Why IPL 2026 Schedule Is Being Released in Phases
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to release the IPL 2026 schedule in two parts due to the upcoming elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam.
Because of security and logistical arrangements required during election periods, the remaining fixtures will only be finalised after the Election Commission confirms the polling dates.
Despite this staggered announcement, the IPL season is expected to continue as planned and conclude by May 31, 2026.
Blockbuster Matches in IPL 2026 Opening Week
The IPL 2026 schedule begins with a highly anticipated clash between RCB and SRH, but several other big matches are lined up during the first week.
One of the most exciting encounters will take place on March 29, when Mumbai Indians face Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.
Another major fixture arrives the next day when Rajasthan Royals host Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati.
This match has already attracted attention because Sanju Samson and Ravindra Jadeja will face their former franchises following a high-profile offseason trade that also involved Sam Curran.
Major Weekend Double-Headers
Fans can expect plenty of action as the IPL 2026 schedule includes multiple weekend double-headers during the first phase.
For example, on April 4, two matches will be played:
- Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians
- Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals
The following day, RCB will host Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru, one of the most anticipated rivalries of the IPL season.
RCB vs MI Headline Match on April 12
Another highlight of the early fixtures will take place on April 12, when Mumbai Indians host Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Wankhede Stadium.
This match could be crucial for both teams as they aim to establish early momentum in the tournament.
Teams Playing at Multiple Home Venues
Several franchises will play matches at more than one home venue during the opening phase of the IPL 2026 schedule.
- Rajasthan Royals will play their first three home matches in Guwahati before shifting to Jaipur later in the tournament.
- Punjab Kings will divide their home games between Mullanpur and Dharamsala.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru are also scheduled to play two home matches in Raipur this season.
Bengaluru Matches Await Government Clearance
Although several matches are scheduled in Bengaluru, the BCCI has confirmed that they are subject to approval from a government-appointed expert committee.
The committee is scheduled to inspect the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, where officials will conduct a full mock demonstration of match-day arrangements.
This inspection will determine whether the stadium is ready to host IPL matches safely.
IPL 2026 Phase 1 Key Fixtures
Here are some of the most important matches in the opening phase of the IPL 2026 schedule:
March 28: RCB vs SRH – Bengaluru
March 29: MI vs KKR – Mumbai
March 30: RR vs CSK – Guwahati
April 5: RCB vs CSK – Bengaluru
April 12: MI vs RCB – Mumbai
These matches are expected to draw huge attention from cricket fans across the world.
Conclusion
The announcement of the IPL 2026 schedule has already generated massive excitement among fans.
With defending champions RCB starting the season, blockbuster clashes like RCB vs CSK and MI vs KKR scheduled early, the opening weeks promise intense competition.
Fans will now eagerly await the second phase of fixtures, which will be released once election dates are finalized.
