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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the schedule for the first phase of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, and cricket fans across the country are already scrambling for tickets.
The tournament begins on March 28, and the first phase runs through to April 12. The board has released the list of first 20 matches and a full schedule for the remainder of the tournament will be released once election dates are confirmed for three states that are set to hold State Assembly elections during this period.
IPL 2026 opening match
The 19th edition of IPL will begin with a blockbuster clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28.
Mumbai Indians face Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai the next day.
IPL 2026: Phase 1 schedule and double headers
A total of 20 matches will be played across 10 venues during the first phase:
- Bengaluru
- Mumbai
- Guwahati
- New Chandigarh
- Lucknow
- Kolkata
- Chennai
- Delhi
- Ahmedabad
- Hyderabad
- The phase will feature four double-headers, with afternoon matches starting at 3:30 PM IST and evening matches beginning at 7:30 PM IST.
- The first double-header of IPL 2026 takes place on April 4, when Delhi Capitals host Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi in the afternoon
- It will be followed by Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad in the evening.
IPL 2026 home venues: Who is playing where
Several teams are splitting their home games across multiple cities this season:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play five home matches in Bengaluru and two in Raipur.
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) will host four matches at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh and three in Dharamshala.
- Rajasthan Royals will begin their home campaign in Guwahati, where they will host Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. They will play four matches in Jaipur.
How to book IPL 2026 tickets online
The BCCI has not yet officially reveled any information about the ticket sales but the process is expected to follow the same pattern as previous years.BookMyShow has already opened pre-sale registration for tickets to Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans home matches on its website and mobile app. Meanwhile, Zomato's District app has also prompted tickets via a dedicated page for IPL 2026 tickets. Official team websites are also expected to be ticketing channels once the booking window opens.Once sales go live, here is how to purchase your tickets:
- Visit BookMyShow (bookmyshow.com), the District app (by Zomato), or your team's official website.
- Search for the IPL 2026 match you want to attend using the date or team name.
- Select your preferred seating category.
- Choose your specific seats using the interactive stadium map.
- Add the tickets to your cart and proceed to checkout.
- Complete payment using a credit card, debit card, UPI, net banking, or digital wallet.
- The ticket will be sent to your registered email address or mobile number.
How to buy IPL 2026 tickets offline
- Visit the nearest authorised ticket counter at the stadium or a designated retail outlet. Locations are typically announced on the team’s official website and social media closer to the match.
- Check availability for your preferred match and seating category at the counter.
- Carry a valid photo ID — an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport will be accepted.
- Choose your seats and confirm your selection with the ticketing staff.
- Make your payment — cash, card, and digital wallets are generally accepted at most venues.
- Collect your ticket on the spot after the transaction is complete.
IPL 2026 full phase 1 schedule
| 1 | 28/03/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Kolkata Knight Riders | Hyderabad |
| 2 | 29/03/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Gujarat Titans | Chennai |
| 3 | 30/03/26 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Delhi Capitals | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Delhi |
| 4 | 31/03/26 | Tue | 7:30 PM | Punjab Kings | Mumbai Indians | New Chandigarh |
| 5 | 01/04/26 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Rajasthan Royals | Lucknow Super Giants | Guwahati |
| 6 | 02/04/26 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings | Chennai |
| 7 | 03/04/26 | Fri | 7:30 PM | Mumbai Indians | Gujarat Titans | Mumbai |
| 8 | 04/04/26 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Lucknow Super Giants | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Lucknow |
| 9 | 04/04/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Delhi Capitals | Hyderabad |
| 10 | 05/04/26 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Gujarat Titans | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Ahmedabad |
| 11 | 05/04/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Bengaluru | Mumbai | Bengaluru |
| 12 | 06/04/26 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Guwahati | Kolkata | Guwahati |
| 13 | 07/04/26 | Tue | 7:30 PM | Chennai | Delhi Capitals | Chennai |
| 14 | 08/04/26 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Ahmedabad | Kolkata Knight Riders | Ahmedabad |
| 15 | 09/04/26 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Hyderabad | Rajasthan Royals | Hyderabad |
| 16 | 10/04/26 | Fri | 7:30 PM | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Delhi Capitals | Bengaluru |
| 17 | 11/04/26 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Kolkata Knight Riders | Rajasthan Royals | Kolkata |
| 18 | 11/04/26 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Guwahati | Punjab Kings | Guwahati |
| 19 | 12/04/26 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Chennai Super Kings | Lucknow Super Giants | Chennai |
| 20 | 12/04/26 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Mumbai Indians | Kolkata Knight Riders | Mumbai |
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