IPL 2026 start date: When will the season begin and where will the key matches be played? BCCI announces details

The much-awaited IPL 2026 season will officially begin on March 28, 2026, according to confirmation from broadcaster Star Sports. The announcement was made yesterday ahead of the final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Cricket fans across India and around the world are now eagerly awaiting the release of the full IPL 2026 schedule, which is yet to be announced by the Indian Premier League organisers.

IPL 2026 Start Date: Season to Begin on March 28

The official IPL 2026 start date has been set for March 28, marking the beginning of another thrilling season of franchise cricket. The tournament traditionally features ten teams competing in a round-robin format followed by play-offs and the grand final.


The defending champions heading into IPL 2026 are Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who secured their first title in the IPL 2025 final after defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in Ahmedabad.

With the champions returning to defend their crown, anticipation for the IPL 2026 opening match is already building among fans.

IPL 2026 Venues: Bengaluru to Host Key Matches

Officials from the Karnataka State Cricket Association have confirmed that M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will host five home matches of Royal Challengers Bengaluru during IPL 2026.

The venue will also stage one of the play-off matches and the IPL 2026 final, making it one of the most important venues for the upcoming season.

For RCB fans, the return of matches to their home ground will be particularly special, given the stadium’s deep connection with the franchise and its passionate supporters.

IPL 2026: RCB to Play Two Home Matches in Raipur

While most of RCB’s matches will take place in Bengaluru, the franchise has confirmed that two of their IPL 2026 home games will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, located in the state of Chhattisgarh.

This move will allow fans from central India to experience IPL 2026 action live, further expanding the tournament’s reach.

IPL 2026 First Match Return of Cricket to Chinnaswamy Stadium

The IPL 2026 season also marks an important moment for cricket in Bengaluru. Matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium had been suspended since June last year following a tragic stampede during the IPL 2025 title celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The incident resulted in 11 fatalities and several injuries, prompting authorities to temporarily halt cricketing events at the venue while safety and infrastructure measures were reviewed.

Following discussions with the Government of Karnataka, police authorities and the cricket association, necessary arrangements have now been completed to safely host IPL 2026 matches in Bengaluru.

IPL 2026: RCB CEO on Playing at Their Home Ground

Speaking about the development, Rajesh Menon emphasised the emotional connection between the team and its home venue.

According to Menon, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium represents the heart of the franchise. He noted that the energy and support from Bengaluru fans have always played a crucial role in motivating players during matches.

He also thanked the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the police authorities for their support in making it possible for the team to host the majority of their IPL 2026 home matches in Bengaluru.

IPL Schedule 2026 Yet to Be Announced

While the IPL 2026 start date has been confirmed, the official match fixtures, opening clash and complete schedule are expected to be released by the Indian Premier League organisers in the coming weeks.

As excitement builds, fans will soon learn which teams will compete in the IPL 2026 opening match, as well as the full list of venues and play-off dates.

With the defending champions ready to return and iconic venues hosting key matches, IPL 2026 promises to be another blockbuster season in world cricket.

Inputs from ANI