IPL 2026 Schedule: Complete League Stage Fixtures, Key Dates & Double-Headers - Live Cricket Scores

IPL 2026 Schedule: Complete League Stage Fixtures, Double-Headers & Key Dates

The Indian Premier League 2026 is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly anticipating the return of high-octane T20 action across India. The BCCI has released the full league stage schedule for IPL 2026, featuring marquee clashes, double-headers, and afternoon fixtures designed to maximize fan engagement. With defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) looking to retain their title, and powerhouses like Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) eager to reclaim glory, the upcoming season promises an action-packed spectacle.

Key Dates & Structure for IPL 2026 Schedule League Stage

The 19th edition of the IPL begins on March 28, 2026, with the defending champions RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in what is set to be a thrilling opener. The first phase of the tournament runs until April 12, featuring 20 matches across various venues in India.

The second phase of the league, spanning April 13 to May 24, will see 50 matches scheduled across 12 iconic stadiums, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Raipur, and Dharamsala. This phase includes multiple double-headers, afternoon matches, and some of the most anticipated clashes between IPL heavyweights.

The league stage concludes with MI vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Mumbai and KKR vs DC in Kolkata on May 24, setting the stage for the playoffs and final.

Group Divisions and Match Format

For IPL 2026, teams are split into two groups based on the number of titles won:

Group A: CSK (5), KKR (3), RR (1), RCB (1), PBKS
Group B: MI (5), SRH (1), GT (1), DC, LSG

Previously, teams in the same group played each other twice and teams in opposite groups only once. This year, the structure is reversed: teams in the same group play once, while intergroup clashes occur twice. This ensures high-profile matchups like CSK vs MI and MI vs RCB occur twice during the season.

High-Profile Clashes & Double-Headers – IPL 2026 Schedule

The IPL 2026 schedule has been designed to maximize excitement for fans and broadcasters. Some key fixtures include:

CSK vs MI: April 23 in Mumbai & May 2 in Chennai
MI vs RCB: April 12 in Mumbai & May 10 in Raipur
RCB vs CSK: April 5 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

Double-headers are spread throughout the season to give fans non-stop action. While four double-headers were scheduled initially, the BCCI has now added eight more, bringing the total to 12 double-header days. This includes afternoon matches in Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Dharamsala, offering both flexibility for viewers and varied exposure for players.

Venues Spotlight: Dharamsala & Raipur Return – IPL 2026 Schedule

The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala makes a notable return to the IPL calendar after last year’s interruption. On May 11, Punjab Kings face Delhi Capitals, followed by matches against MI (May 14) and RCB (May 17, afternoon). The picturesque venue promises a mix of thrilling cricket and scenic views.

Raipur, selected as a secondary home base by RCB, hosts two matches: RCB vs MI (May 10) and RCB vs KKR (May 13). Both venues are expected to attract huge crowds as fans witness some of the biggest names in cricket live.

Afternoon Matches: Balancing Day & Evening Games

IPL 2026 Schedule ensures 12 afternoon matches across the season. Each team will play a minimum of two, with DC hosting two afternoon games at home. While most teams play one less than this, PBKS, SRH, and DC stand out for featuring three afternoon matches each. Rajasthan Royals are unique in playing two away afternoon games.

The careful scheduling of day and night matches ensures players manage workloads effectively while providing fans with prime-time cricket and daytime viewing options for family audiences.

Key Takeaways from the IPL 2026 Schedule

More High-Profile Clashes – By reversing group match rules, fans get to see more marquee matchups twice in the season.
Balanced Workload – Afternoon and double-header scheduling ensures players get sufficient recovery time.
Strategic Venue Selection – Inclusion of Raipur and Dharamsala offers fresh challenges and iconic backdrops for teams.
Playoff Build-Up – The league stage finishes with intense matchups likely to influence playoff positions and net run-rates.

This year’s IPL promises strategic gameplay, big hits, and exciting bowling displays, with teams like RCB, MI, CSK, and PBKS aiming to dominate the tournament. Fans can expect high drama as every game could impact the road to the playoffs.

Conclusion: IPL 2026 Schedule – Cricket Fans’ Ultimate Feast

The IPL 2026 Schedule has something for every fan—afternoon thrillers, evening fireworks, and double-header extravaganzas. With marquee matchups like CSK vs MI and MI vs RCB occurring twice, the league promises unmatched entertainment.

From scenic venues like Dharamsala to newly-emerging home bases like Raipur, the tournament ensures fans across India experience world-class T20 cricket. As the season kicks off on March 28, anticipation is high for another memorable IPL, with defending champions RCB under pressure, MI and CSK hungry for glory, and young teams like GT, LSG, and SRH aiming to make their mark.

Cricket fans can mark their calendars, because IPL 2026 promises a perfect mix of fierce competition, tactical brilliance, and breathtaking performances, all set to unfold over nearly two months of intense cricketing action.

IPL 2026 Schedule Full League Stage Schedule

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to kick off on March 28, 2026, with a series of thrilling T20 matches across India. Here’s a detailed look at all fixtures, venues, and timings for the league stage.

March 2026 Fixtures
March 28, Sat: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM
March 29, Sun: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai | 7:30 PM
March 30, Mon: Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings | Guwahati | 7:30 PM
March 31, Tue: Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans | New Chandigarh | 7:30 PM
April 2026 Fixtures – Early Month
April 1, Wed: Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals | Lucknow | 7:30 PM
April 2, Thu: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata | 7:30 PM
April 3, Fri: Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings | Chennai | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – April 4:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians | Delhi | 3:30 PM
Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – April 5:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM
April 6, Mon: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings | Kolkata | 7:30 PM
April 7, Tue: Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians | Guwahati | 7:30 PM
April 8, Wed: Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans | Delhi | 7:30 PM
April 9, Thu: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants | Kolkata | 7:30 PM
April 10, Fri: Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Guwahati | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – April 11:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | New Chandigarh | 3:30 PM
Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals | Chennai | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – April 12:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans | Lucknow | 3:30 PM
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Mumbai | 7:30 PM
April 13–24, 2026 – Key Matches & Marquee Clashes
April 13, Mon: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM
April 14, Tue: Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Chennai | 7:30 PM
April 15, Wed: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM
April 16, Thu: Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings | Mumbai | 7:30 PM
April 17, Fri: Gujarat Titans vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – April 18:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Delhi Capitals | Bengaluru | 3:30 PM
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – April 19:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata | 3:30 PM
Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants | New Chandigarh | 7:30 PM
April 20, Mon: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM
April 21, Tue: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Delhi Capitals | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM
April 22, Wed: Lucknow Super Giants vs Rajasthan Royals | Lucknow | 7:30 PM
April 23, Thu: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings | Mumbai | 7:30 PM (Marquee clash)
April 24, Fri: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Gujarat Titans | Bengaluru | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – April 25:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings | Delhi | 3:30 PM
Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Jaipur | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – April 26:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings | Ahmedabad | 3:30 PM
Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Lucknow | 7:30 PM
April 27, Mon: Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Delhi | 7:30 PM
April 28, Tue: Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals | New Chandigarh | 7:30 PM
April 29, Wed: Mumbai Indians vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | Mumbai | 7:30 PM
April 30, Thu: Gujarat Titans vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM
May 2026 Fixtures – Closing League Stage

Double-Header – May 1–2:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

May 1, Fri: Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals | Jaipur | 7:30 PM
May 2, Sat: Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians | Chennai | 7:30 PM (Marquee clash)

Double-Header – May 3:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Hyderabad | 3:30 PM
Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings | Ahmedabad | 7:30 PM
May 4, Mon: Mumbai Indians vs Lucknow Super Giants | Mumbai | 7:30 PM
May 5, Tue: Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings | Delhi | 7:30 PM
May 6, Wed: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings | Hyderabad | 7:30 PM
May 7, Thu: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Lucknow | 7:30 PM
May 8, Fri: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders | Delhi | 7:30 PM
May 9, Sat: Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans | Jaipur | 7:30 PM

Double-Header – May 10:(IPL 2026 Schedule)

Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants | Chennai | 3:30 PM
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians | Raipur | 7:30 PM
May 11–17: Key matches including Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals (Dharamshala), MI vs PBKS, and RCB vs KKR at Raipur, plus multiple afternoon fixtures.
May 18–24: Final league stage matches, including MI vs Rajasthan Royals (Mumbai) and KKR vs Delhi Capitals (Kolkata) on May 24 to conclude the season.

Written by 8JJ.com | March 27, 2026
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