Five-time champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are set to meet twice during the IPL 2026 league stage after the BCCI released the complete schedule on Thursday. Mumbai Indians will also play defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru twice, with the 19th edition of the tournament beginning on March 28.
The board had earlier announced a partial schedule, and has now confirmed almost the entire league phase, with only the playoff venues yet to be disclosed.
Teams Divided Into Two Groups
As in previous seasons, franchises have been split into two groups based on their title count.
- Group A: Chennai Super Kings (5), Kolkata Knight Riders (3), Rajasthan Royals (1), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (1), Punjab Kings
- Group B: Mumbai Indians (5), Sunrisers Hyderabad (1), Gujarat Titans (1), Delhi Capitals, Lucknow Super Giants
In recent seasons, teams played others within their group twice and faced teams from the opposite group once. For IPL 2026, that format has been reversed, with teams now meeting same-group opponents once and playing twice against teams from the other group.
This structure sets up marquee clashes, including CSK vs MI on April 23 in Mumbai and May 2 in Chennai. Mumbai Indians will also face Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12 in Mumbai and May 10 in Raipur.
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Packed Schedule Across Multiple Venues
The opening phase of the tournament includes 20 matches from March 28, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Sunrisers Hyderabad, until April 12, which features a double-header Sunday.
A further 50 matches are scheduled between April 13 and May 24, to be played across 12 venues in India. Raipur has been included as a second home venue for Royal Challengers Bengaluru for two fixtures.
Dharamsala also returns to the schedule. Last season, the Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings match at the venue was halted due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. The same fixture is scheduled to take place there again on May 11 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association ground.
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The revised schedule now includes eight additional double-headers to go with the four already announced. While playoff venues remain unconfirmed, ESPNcricinfo understands that the final is set to be played on May 31.
Afternoon Matches Distribution
A total of 12 afternoon matches have been scheduled, with every team playing at least two.
Rajasthan Royals are the only team not to host an afternoon fixture, with both of their matches scheduled away from home. In contrast, Delhi Capitals will host two afternoon games.
Three teams—Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals—will play three afternoon matches each, while the remaining seven teams will feature in one fewer game during that time slot.
