IPL 2026 Schedule Released: Fixtures, Venues & Streaming Guide

Cricket fans across India can finally stop guessing and start planning. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially unveiled the full schedule for the TATA Indian Premier League 2026India, marking the 19th edition of the country’s most popular franchise tournament. The season kicks off on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and runs through Sunday, May 31, 2026, promising 78 days of non-stop Twenty20 action.

Here’s the thing: while the dates are set, there’s still some confusion floating around regarding the total number of matches and the final venue. But don’t worry—we’ve sorted through the official documents to give you the clear picture. Whether you’re booking flights or clearing your calendar, this is everything you need to know about the upcoming cricket marathon.

The Opening Act: Defending Champions Take the Field

The curtain rises at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. On March 28, 2026, at 7:30 PM IST, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad. It’s a high-stakes opener that sets the tone for the entire season.

The early fixtures are packed with marquee clashes. Just one day later, Mumbai Indians host Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai. By Monday, March 30, Rajasthan Royals take on Chennai Super Kings in Guwahati. And on Tuesday, March 31, Punjab Kings welcome Gujarat Titans to New Chandigarh. All these early evening games start at 7:30 PM IST, ensuring fans get their fix after work hours.

League Stage Structure and Match Volume

For the league phase, the top four teams from the points table will advance to the knockout stage. The regular season concludes on Sunday, May 24, 2026. That gives franchises roughly two months to battle it out across 13 different venues nationwide.

But wait—how many matches are we actually talking about? Here’s where the sources diverge slightly. Some official analyses describe the tournament as an "84-match marathon," while others, including reports from The Times of India, cite 74 matches. Regardless of the exact count, the format remains consistent: two time slots per day. Afternoon fixtures kick off at 3:30 PM IST, followed by the prime-time evening games at 7:30 PM IST. This dual-slot structure ensures maximum coverage and keeps the momentum going throughout the week.

Playoff Pathway: Who Gets Where?

Once the league stage wraps up, the real drama begins. The playoffs start on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, with a short break allowing players to rest and strategize. Here’s the breakdown of the knockout stages:

• Qualifier 1: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at HPCA Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala (7:30 PM IST).
• Eliminator: Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in New Chandigarh (7:30 PM IST).
• Qualifier 2: Friday, May 29, 2026, also in New Chandigarh (7:30 PM IST).
• The Final: Sunday, May 31, 2026 (7:30 PM IST).

The twist is the final venue. While NDTV and several schedule PDFs list Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as the host—a venue that has hosted the final in 2022, 2023, and 2025—other reports suggest it might be held at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru as a tribute to the defending champions. As of now, the conflict remains unresolved, but both grounds are prepared for the spectacle.

Venues Across India: A Nationwide Tour

The IPL isn’t just a tournament; it’s a cultural event that spans the country. Beyond the major hubs, the 2026 schedule includes matches in smaller cities, boosting local economies and fan engagement. Key venues include:

• Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: Capacity of 132,000. Home of Gujarat Titans.
• Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai: Capacity of 33,108. Home of Mumbai Indians.
• Eden Gardens, Kolkata: One of India’s oldest grounds. Home of Kolkata Knight Riders.
• MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai: Home of Chennai Super Kings.
• Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati: Bringing IPL action to Northeast India.
• ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam: A growing hub for cricket in Andhra Pradesh.

This geographic spread ensures that fans from every corner of India have a chance to experience the electric atmosphere of an IPL match live.

How to Watch: Streaming and Broadcast Details

If you can’t make it to the stadium, don’t worry. Digital streaming is more accessible than ever. The official digital partner for IPL 2026 in India is JioHotstar, the combined platform of JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. Fans can stream all matches live via the JioHotstar mobile app (available on Android and iOS), the website, or smart TV applications.

Additionally, Jio customers can use the JioTV app, while Airtel users have access through Airtel Xstream. For those who prefer quick updates without watching the full game, the official IPL website provides live scores, ball-by-ball commentary, and highlights. Remember, though: the schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the organizing authority. Weather delays or other unforeseen circumstances could shift timings, so keep an eye on official announcements.