TATA IPL 2026: Full List of First 20 Matches, Dates, Venues & Match Timings
The Indian Premier League returns with another blockbuster season as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the first phase schedule for TATA IPL 2026.
The opening 20 league matches will be played between March 28 and April 12, 2026, featuring high-profile clashes, weekend double-headers, and games across major cricket venues in India.
The season begins with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. As always, the early phase of the tournament promises thrilling contests with teams eager to start their campaigns strongly.
Fans can expect evening matches starting at 7:30 PM IST, along with weekend double-headers at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST, making the opening weeks packed with non-stop IPL action.
TATA IPL 2026 – First 20 Matches Schedule
| Match | Date | Day | Time (IST) | Home Team | Away Team | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 28 Mar 2026 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru |
| 2 | 29 Mar 2026 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Mumbai Indians | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai |
| 3 | 30 Mar 2026 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati |
| 4 | 31 Mar 2026 | Tue | 7:30 PM | Punjab Kings | Gujarat Titans | New Chandigarh |
| 5 | 1 Apr 2026 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Lucknow Super Giants | Delhi Capitals | Lucknow |
| 6 | 2 Apr 2026 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata |
| 7 | 3 Apr 2026 | Fri | 7:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 8 | 4 Apr 2026 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Delhi Capitals | Mumbai Indians | Delhi |
| 9 | 4 Apr 2026 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | 5 Apr 2026 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad |
| 11 | 5 Apr 2026 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru |
| 12 | 6 Apr 2026 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings | Kolkata |
| 13 | 7 Apr 2026 | Tue | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai Indians | Guwahati |
| 14 | 8 Apr 2026 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Delhi Capitals | Gujarat Titans | Delhi |
| 15 | 9 Apr 2026 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata |
| 16 | 10 Apr 2026 | Fri | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati |
| 17 | 11 Apr 2026 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Punjab Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad | New Chandigarh |
| 18 | 11 Apr 2026 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
| 19 | 12 Apr 2026 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Lucknow Super Giants | Gujarat Titans | Lucknow |
| 20 | 12 Apr 2026 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai |
Key Highlights of IPL 2026 Opening Phase
Opening Match
The tournament begins with RCB vs SRH in Bengaluru — a high-scoring venue known for batting fireworks.
Weekend Double-Headers
Fans will enjoy multiple double-header weekends, with afternoon matches starting at 3:30 PM IST and evening matches at 7:30 PM IST.
Major Rivalries Early in the Season
Some big clashes in the opening weeks include:
- RCB vs CSK
- MI vs RCB
- RR vs MI
- KKR vs SRH
Where to watch Tata IPL 2026 Live
- Live Broadcast: Star Sports & JioHotstar
- Live Score: Cricbuzz
These matches could significantly shape the early IPL 2026 points table.
Venues Hosting IPL 2026 Matches (First Phase)
Matches in the first phase will be played across several major cricket cities:
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Ahmedabad
- Hyderabad
- Guwahati
- New Chandigarh
Each venue offers different pitch conditions — from spin-friendly Chennai tracks to batting paradises like Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Why IPL 2026 Start Is Important
The first two weeks of the IPL season often determine a team’s momentum. Early wins help teams build confidence and climb the IPL 2026 points table, while slow starts can put pressure on squads early in the tournament.
With star players, packed stadiums, and intense rivalries, the TATA IPL 2026 opening phase promises thrilling cricket for fans worldwide.
Related Post: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Why the Schedule Is in Phases
As confirmed by BCCI officials, Tata IPL 2026 is being scheduled in two phases due to state elections and venue availability. Phase 1 (matches 1–20) is locked, with Phase 2 (remaining league games plus playoffs and final) to be announced once logistics and security clearances are finalised.
