Full IPL Schedule Announced, Mumbai and Chennai to Face Each Other Twice

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the full league-stage schedule for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament is set to begin on March 28.

In the opening match, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. The league stage will continue until May 24, while the final is expected to be held on May 31. However, the venues for the playoffs have not yet been announced.

For this season, teams have been divided into two groups based on the number of titles they have won. Group A includes Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Punjab Kings. Group B consists of Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants.

In a change from the previous three seasons, teams will now play once against others in the same group and twice against teams from the opposite group. This adjustment increases the number of high-profile clashes.

The league stage will be played across 12 venues in India. Raipur has been selected as a second home venue by RCB. Dharamsala also returns to the schedule, where Delhi Capitals will face Punjab Kings on May 11.

A total of 12 double-headers have been scheduled this season. Additionally, there will be 12 afternoon matches, with each team playing at least two. However, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals will each play three afternoon games, which could impact match outcomes due to the dew factor.