Nineteen editions in, the IPL keeps getting bigger. TATA IPL 2026 runs from March 28 to May 31, packing 84 matches across ten teams into just over two months.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru open the season at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The BCCI confirmed the schedule in phases, holding back the full dates while awaiting the State Assembly election timings from the Election Commission of India.
The first 20 matches are locked. Doubleheaders begin April 4. Bengaluru also closes the season, hosting the final on May 31.
IPL 2026 Quick Details
Everything you need to know before the first ball is bowled.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | TATA IPL 2026 |
| Season | 19th Edition |
| Start Date | March 28, 2026 |
| Final Date | May 31, 2026 |
| Total Matches | 84 |
| Teams | 10 |
| TV Broadcast (India) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (India) | JioHotstar |
| Commentary Languages | English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, Haryanvi |
IPL 2026 Full Match Schedule — First Phase
All 20 confirmed matches with dates, venues, and start times in IST and GMT.
| Date | Match | Venue | IST | GMT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Mar 29, 2026 | Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans | Mullanpur | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 1, 2026 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Lucknow | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 3, 2026 | Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings | Chennai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Delhi | 3:30 PM | 10:00 AM |
| Apr 4, 2026 | Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 5, 2026 | Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM | 10:00 AM |
| Apr 5, 2026 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | Chennai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 7, 2026 | Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | Guwahati | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 8, 2026 | Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Delhi | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mullanpur | 3:30 PM | 10:00 AM |
| Apr 11, 2026 | Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | Chennai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans | Lucknow | 3:30 PM | 10:00 AM |
| Apr 12, 2026 | Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai | 7:30 PM | 2:00 PM |
IPL 2026 Points System and How Teams Qualify
- Each team plays 14 matches in the group stage
- The top four sides advance to the playoffs
- A win earns 2 points
- A loss gives 0 points
- A tie or no-result match gives both teams 1 point each
- Net Run Rate is the first tiebreaker when teams finish level on points
IPL 2026 Playoffs Format
The top two teams go in with two chances to reach the final. Third and fourth place only get one.
| Stage | Teams | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | 1st vs 2nd | Winner goes directly to the Final |
| Eliminator | 3rd vs 4th | Loser is eliminated |
| Qualifier 2 | Loser of Q1 vs Winner of Eliminator | Winner goes to the Final |
| Final | Two Qualifier winners | IPL 2026 champions crowned on May 31 |
The BCCI will announce playoff venues separately. The final is confirmed for May 31 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
How to Watch IPL 2026 Live in India
Every match live on Star Sports and JioHotstar, with plans starting at ₹79 per month
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| TV | Star Sports Network — SD, HD, multiple languages |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar — paid subscription or telecom bundle |
| Cheapest Plan | JioHotstar Mobile at ₹79/month |
| Free with Recharge | Jio prepaid plans from ₹349 include JioHotstar |
Free streaming is not available this season. JioHotstar is the only online option. The cheapest standalone plan is ₹79 per month. If you are on a Jio prepaid plan of ₹349 or above, Jio Hotstar access is bundled.
Star Sports airs every match on TV in SD and HD across eight languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Haryanvi.
IPL 2026 Live Streaming Outside India
Official broadcasters and streaming platforms are covering IPL 2026 across every major region.
| Region | TV Broadcaster | Streaming Platform | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom & Ireland | Sky Sports (Cricket & Main Event) | Sky Go, NOW TV | Day £7.99 / Weekly £14.99 / Monthly £33.99 |
| USA & Canada | Willow TV | Willow TV App, Amazon Prime Add-on | $9.99/month on Prime. Also on DISH, Sling TV, DirecTV, Xfinity, Spectrum, Fubo |
| Australia | Fox Cricket (Foxtel) | Kayo Sports | 7-day free trial, no lock-in contracts |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Go NZ, NOW App | YuppTV is available as an alternative |
| South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport App, DStv | DStv subscription required |
| Middle East & North Africa | CricLife | BeIN Connect | BeIN Sports holds streaming rights |
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FAQs
March 28, 2026. Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
May 31, 2026, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the same ground that hosts the opening match.
84 matches across the full season.
Ten teams. Each side plays 14 matches in the group stage before the top four move on.
The top two teams play Qualifier 1, with the winner going straight to the final. Third and fourth meet in the Eliminator, and the loser exits. The Qualifier 1 loser then faces the Eliminator winner in Qualifier 2, and that winner takes the last final spot.
Net Run Rate When two or more teams finish equal on points, NRR decides who sits higher in the standings.
Star Sports on TV and JioHotstar for online streaming. Free streaming is not available. A paid JioHotstar plan or a bundled Jio prepaid recharge of ₹349 or above is required.
TATA IPL 2026 is the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League.
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