IPL 2026 schedule announced: Chinnaswamy to host RCB vs SRH in tournament opener on March 28

NEW DELHI: The opening match of IPL 2026 will be played between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for the first 20 days of the Indian Premier League 2026 season.The remaining schedule for the tournament will be released later, with the BCCI looking to avoid clashes with upcoming assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu.

Several franchises have already begun their training camps as they gear up for the high-profile T20 tournament.RCB head into the season as defending champions after winning their maiden title last year, defeating Punjab Kings in the final.

The Bengaluru-based franchise held a short preparation camp at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 10. Meanwhile, 2022 champions Gujarat Titans conducted practice sessions twice at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara.Here's the full schedule:

Punjab Kings trained in Abu Dhabi in early February and are currently holding a practice camp in Dharamsala. Meanwhile, the 2016 champions Sunrisers Hyderabad began their camp on March 1 with their domestic players.

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians have also started preparations for the upcoming season.The inaugural IPL winners Rajasthan Royals are expected to assemble for a training camp in Jaipur from March 15, while three-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders will begin their pre-season camp on March 18.Delhi Capitals recently conducted a training camp in Hyderabad and are expected to hold another one in New Delhi, while Lucknow Super Giants had earlier organised a preparatory session in Lucknow.