IPL 2026 to Be Biggest Season Yet; Full Schedule Awaited as New Rules Take Centre Stage

The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on March 28, marking the largest season in the tournament's history with a new format of 16 matches per team and a host of regulatory changes.

The season will run until May 31, featuring 74 league matches and 10 playoff games across 13 cities. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

While the Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed the timeline, the complete schedule remains in flux due to the impending Assembly elections in several states.

Schedule Delay Due to Elections

According to sources within the BCCI, the full fixture list is being held up because of the Assembly elections scheduled in five states during April and May. Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam—key states that host IPL matches—are among those going to the polls. As a result, the league has only released the itinerary for the first 20 matches, which will be played from March 28 to April 12.

Ten Teams Set for Action

The tournament will see the participation of all ten franchises. The lineup includes Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans.

Playoffs Window Confirmed

Although the exact dates for the playoffs are subject to the final schedule release, the BCCI has confirmed that the championship final will be held in Bengaluru on May 31. Officials indicate that the first qualifier is likely to be on May 26, followed by the eliminator on May 27 and the second qualifier on May 29.

Venue Expansion and Return to Raipur

This season, matches will be played across 13 different cities, a wider spread compared to previous years. While seven teams have opted for a single home venue, Bengaluru, Punjab, and Rajasthan will have two home grounds each. Notably, after a 13-year gap, an IPL match is scheduled to be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, which will serve as a second home venue for RCB.

Stringent New Rules Introduced

The BCCI has introduced a set of strict regulations for the 2026 season aimed at ensuring discipline and security.

- Practice Restrictions: Teams have been barred from holding net practice on match days. Furthermore, teams cannot use the nets of another franchise, even if the pitch is vacant after the host team’s session.

- Travel and Security: Players are now mandated to travel only via the team bus. Family members have been restricted to the hospitality zone and will not be allowed in the dugout or on the field.

- Dress Code Enforcement: In a move to maintain broadcast standards, players awarded the Orange and Purple Caps must wear them during matches. Even if they wish to remove the cap while fielding, it must be worn for the first two overs of the innings. Sleeveless jerseys have been banned during post-match presentations.

RCB Enters as Defending Champion

Royal Challengers Bengaluru enters the season as the defending champion after clinching their maiden title last year. The franchise secured the 2025 trophy by defeating Punjab Kings in a tense final, winning by six runs.

Auction Recap and Broadcast Details

The IPL 2026 auction saw Australian all-rounder Cameron Green become the most expensive acquisition, with Kolkata Knight Riders securing his services for ₹25.20 crore. Among Indian uncapped players, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were picked up by Chennai Super Kings for ₹14.20 crore each.

Fans can catch all the action live on the Star Sports network, with digital streaming available on Jio Hotstar.