The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) is the 19th season of the world’s richest and most-watched cricket league, running from 28 March to 31 May 2026 across 13 venues in India. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru return to defend their maiden title, while 10 franchises compete in 74 matches of high-octane T20 cricket that attracts the best players from around the globe.
What is the IPL?
The Indian Premier League is a professional Twenty20 cricket league established by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2008. It is the most commercially successful cricket league in the world, combining franchise-based team ownership, a player auction system, and a format that blends international stars with emerging Indian talent.
Ten city-based franchises compete in a round-robin league stage followed by a playoff phase. Each team plays 14 matches (seven home, seven away) during the league stage, with the top four qualifying for the playoffs. The playoff structure consists of two qualifying matches and an eliminator, culminating in the final. The IPL has transformed cricket’s commercial landscape since its inception, with the 2026 season continuing to attract the world’s leading players across all cricketing nations.
When is IPL 2026?
The 2026 season runs from Friday 28 March to Sunday 31 May 2026. Evening matches begin at 7:30 PM IST (2:00 PM GMT / 10:00 AM ET), while afternoon fixtures on weekends and double-header days start at 3:30 PM IST (10:00 AM GMT / 6:00 AM ET).
The opening match sees defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru host Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Playoff dates and the venue for the final will be confirmed later in the season. The BCCI released the schedule in two phases due to assembly elections in certain states, with the first 20 fixtures announced on 11 March and the remaining matches confirmed on 26 March.
Where is IPL 2026?
IPL 2026 is staged across 13 venues throughout India, with each franchise hosting matches at their designated home ground. The primary venues include Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mohali, and Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.
Additional venues include HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, ACA Cricket Stadium, and Nava Raipur Cricket Stadium, which serve as secondary home grounds for select franchises. Stadium capacities range from around 25,000 to the Narendra Modi Stadium’s 132,000, the largest cricket venue in the world.
Key Contenders
Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the 2026 season as defending champions after their historic maiden title in 2025, when they defeated Punjab Kings by six runs in the final. Led by Virat Kohli, the squad retains the core of their championship-winning side, including Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Josh Hazlewood, and Jacob Bethell. Their title defence will be a central narrative of the season.
Chennai Super Kings, the joint most successful franchise with five titles alongside Mumbai Indians, remain a formidable force. MS Dhoni’s involvement continues to draw enormous attention, while the squad features Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson. Mumbai Indians, also five-time champions, will look to add to their record alongside a refreshed squad.
Kolkata Knight Riders, three-time winners (2012, 2014, 2024), bolstered their bowling attack with the acquisition of Matheesha Pathirana for 18 crore INR at the December 2025 auction in Abu Dhabi. Sunrisers Hyderabad boast a formidable top order featuring Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen, while Pat Cummins leads their pace attack.
The auction’s headline signing was Cameron Green, who became the most expensive overseas player in IPL history at 25.20 crore INR. Uncapped players Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma each fetched 14.20 crore INR for Chennai Super Kings, highlighting the league’s continued investment in emerging Indian talent.
How to Watch IPL 2026
In India, Star Sports holds the television broadcast rights, with live coverage across Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, and regional language channels in Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Streaming is available on JioHotstar, with free mobile viewing options through select telecom plans.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Sky Sports holds exclusive broadcast rights through 2027, with matches airing on Sky Sports Cricket and available for streaming via Sky Go and NOW Sports. In Australia, Fox Cricket provides television coverage, with streaming on Foxtel and Kayo Sports.
Fans in the United States and Canada can watch through Willow TV, available via cable providers including DISH, Sling TV, DirecTV, and Fubo. In South Africa, SuperSport carries the coverage, while Sky Sport NZ broadcasts in New Zealand. YuppTV streams matches in over 70 additional territories, ensuring near-global coverage of the tournament.
History and Records
The IPL was founded in 2008, with Rajasthan Royals winning the inaugural edition under Shane Warne’s captaincy. Since then, the league has grown into the world’s most valuable cricket property, with franchise values reaching billions of dollars.
Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians share the record for most titles with five each. MS Dhoni led CSK to championships in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023, while Rohit Sharma captained Mumbai to titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2020. Only these two franchises have achieved back-to-back titles. Kolkata Knight Riders are third on the all-time list with three titles (2012, 2014, 2024).
Individual records are dominated by India’s greatest: Virat Kohli holds the record for most runs in a single season with 973 in 2016, while Chris Gayle’s unbeaten 175 against Pune Warriors in 2013 remains the highest individual score in IPL history. The tournament has served as a launchpad for numerous Indian international careers and has attracted virtually every major cricketing nation’s leading players.
Tickets and Attendance
Ticket prices for IPL 2026 vary significantly by venue and fixture. General admission starts from as low as 499 INR (approximately GBP 5) for Mumbai Indians home matches, while premium seating at RCB’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium ranges up to 65,800 INR (approximately GBP 620). Typical price ranges across franchises sit between 1,000 and 25,000 INR.
Tickets are available through official platforms including BookMyShow (for Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Mumbai Indians), the District app by Zomato, and individual franchise websites and apps. Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru sell exclusively through their own platforms. Offline counters are also available at designated locations for home matches.
Matches regularly sell out, particularly high-profile fixtures and playoff games. The IPL’s introduction of “Fan Parks” in multiple cities offers an alternative experience for supporters unable to attend in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 begins on 28 March 2026, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
How many matches are in IPL 2026?
The 2026 season features 74 matches: 70 league stage games across 13 venues, followed by four playoff matches including the final.
Who are the defending champions?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in the final. They enter 2026 as the team to beat.
How can I watch IPL 2026 in the UK?
Sky Sports holds exclusive UK broadcast rights. Matches air on Sky Sports Cricket, with streaming available through Sky Go and NOW Sports memberships.
Where can I buy IPL 2026 tickets?
Tickets are sold through BookMyShow, the District app, and individual franchise websites. Availability varies by match, and high-profile fixtures sell out quickly.