- IPL 2026 start date, full schedule and key fixtures confirmed
- How to watch IPL 2026 live in the UK, US, Australia and worldwide
- Teams, venues and latest updates on the Indian Premier League season
Cricket’s most celebrated domestic competition returns once more as the Indian Premier League begins its 19th season in 2026. The world’s best white ball players will gather again for weeks of drama, big hitting and high pace bowling through the spring.
India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph has barely settled, but the appetite for more short format action remains huge. Fans can expect towering sixes, clever spin and fast bowling that pushes limits, as the IPL takes centre stage once again.
Why IPL 2026 is the biggest T20 league in the world
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru begin the new campaign full of confidence after finally winning their first title last year. Virat Kohli led from the front in a tense six run victory over Punjab Kings. Much of that core squad remains, and another deep run looks realistic.
The challenge will not be easy. Mumbai Indians stand out as the main challengers, while Punjab Kings will aim to go one better. Lucknow Super Giants continue to develop into serious contenders.
For fans, the appeal is as strong as ever. The IPL remains cricket’s biggest domestic stage. Power hitters, fast bowlers and skilled spinners all share the spotlight.
IPL growth, global reach and $12 billion value
Since launching in 2008, the competition has grown into a global powerhouse. It has inspired franchise leagues around the world, while also driving huge investment through its player auctions.
The 2026 edition was no different, with teams spending heavily to reshape their squads—something explored in detail in our IPL 2026 team guide. Even so, the IPL remains the most prestigious T20 tournament, now valued at around $12 billion.
When does IPL 2026 start?
The 2026 IPL season begins on Saturday 28 March 2026. The final is scheduled for Sunday 31 May 2026.
The opening match sees Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The play offs begin on Tuesday 26 May with Qualifier 1. The Eliminator and Qualifier 2 follow before the final closes the tournament.
IPL 2026 schedule and confirmed dates
The first phase of fixtures runs from 28 March to 12 April 2026. During this period, 20 matches will be played across 10 venues including Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Ahmedabad. Several double headers are also planned.
Matches begin at 3:30 PM IST and 7:30 PM IST, keeping a familiar schedule for viewers.
Only this initial set of fixtures has been confirmed so far. The remaining schedule will follow once logistics are finalised. Assembly elections are due in several states, including West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. These regions host Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings, which has delayed the full release of fixtures.
How to watch IPL 2026
Watch IPL 2026 in the UK
In the UK, matches will be shown live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. Packages start from £22 per month, with a full bundle including Netflix available from £35 per month.
Viewers can also stream through Sky Go or NOW. A day pass costs £14.99, while a monthly pass is priced at £34.99.
IPL 2026 live stream in the US and Canada
Coverage is available on Willow TV, which can be accessed through FuboTV. Plans start at $45.99 for the first month and rise to $55.99 after that. Overall subscriptions begin from $84.99 per month. A seven day free trial is available for new users.
How to watch IPL 2026 in Australia
In Australia, matches will be broadcast on Fox Cricket. Streaming is available through Kayo Sports.
Kayo offers two plans. The Standard plan costs $29.99 per month and includes one stream in HD. The Premium plan costs $45.99 per month and allows two streams with selected content in 4K.
IPL 2026 worldwide broadcast guide
Coverage differs by region. SuperSport holds rights in South Africa. Flow Sports and YuppTV cover the Caribbean and Latin America. In India, matches are available on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar. Noon broadcasts in the Middle East, while YuppTV serves France.
IPL 2026 schedule and fixtures (UK time)
Opening weekend fixtures
Saturday 28 March
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 2:00 pm
Sunday 29 March
Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders — 3:00 pm
Week 1 fixtures
Monday 30 March
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings — 3:00 pm
Tuesday 31 March
Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans — 3:00 pm
Wednesday 1 April
Lucknow Super Giants vs Delhi Capitals — 3:00 pm
Thursday 2 April
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 3:00 pm
Friday 3 April
Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings — 3:00 pm
Double headers and key clashes
Saturday 4 April
Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians — 11:00 am
Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals — 3:00 pm
Sunday 5 April
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Lucknow Super Giants — 11:00 am
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings — 3:00 pm
Mid phase fixtures
Monday 6 April
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings — 3:00 pm
Tuesday 7 April
Rajasthan Royals vs Mumbai Indians — 3:00 pm
Wednesday 8 April
Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans — 3:00 pm
Thursday 9 April
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants — 3:00 pm
Friday 10 April
Rajasthan Royals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 3:00 pm
Final fixtures of phase one
Saturday 11 April
Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad — 11:00 am
Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals — 3:00 pm
Sunday 12 April
Lucknow Super Giants vs Gujarat Titans — 11:00 am
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru — 3:00 pm
IPL 2026 play off schedule
Qualifier 1 takes place on Tuesday 26 May 2026. The Eliminator follows on Wednesday 27 May, with Qualifier 2 on Friday 29 May.
The final is scheduled for Sunday 31 May 2026, bringing the tournament to a close.
With strong squads, full stadiums and a global audience watching, IPL 2026 looks set to deliver again. The champions return with confidence. The challengers are ready. Another big season is about to begin.
You can keep up to date with the latest IPL 2026 fixtures, results and schedule changes via the official IPL schedule page.
