IPL 2026 Schedule Announcement HIGHLIGHTS: RCB to Take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Tournament Opener; MI Face KKR

IPL 2026 Schedule & Venue Announcement HIGHLIGHTS: The schedule for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 edition has been announced and RCB will face SRH in the tournament opener. Initially, it was reported that Royal Challengers Bengaluru who are also the defending champions will play Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening encounter. But RCB will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the tournament opener. 

The franchises have already started with their practice sessions ahead of the start of the league. RCB held a small preparation camp at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 10. Gujarat Titans who won the title in 2022, which was all their first appearance in the IPL under Hardik Pandya, held practice sessions twice at the Miraj International Cricket Stadium in Nathdwara.

Punjab Kings also trained in Abu Dhabi in early February and are currently running a practice camp in Dharamsala, while Sunrisers Hyderabad began their camp on March 1 with their domestic players. Mumbai Indians have also started their training for the upcoming season.

Rajasthan Royals are likely to assemble in Jaipur for a practice camp from March 15. Kolkata Knight Riders who won the title three times will begin their pre-season camp on March 18. Delhi Capitals had one of their practice sessions in Hyderabad and are expected to have one in New Delhi. Lucknow Super Giants held a preparatory session in Lucknow.

FAQs

When will IPL 2026 Season Start?

The IPL 2026 is scheduled to start on March 28.

When will the IPL 2026 schedule be announced?

The IPL 2026 schedule will be announced today (March 11). 

Why is the IPL 2026 schedule being released in two phases?

The schedule is being released in two phases due to upcoming state assembly elections in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. 

Catch all the LIVE UPDATES from the IPL 2026 Announcement here.