The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 schedule will be announced on Wednesday (March 11) at 7 PM (IST) onwards. It was earlier reported that the schedule will be out for the first 20 days on March 12 as confirmed by BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia. Speaking to ANI, Saikia said, “We will announce the first 20-day schedule of IPL on March 12 after considering the election dates in a few states and will announce the rest of the tournament schedule later.”
The IPL 2026 is likely to begin with the opening clash between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru. RCB clinched the title in the last edition after defeating Punjab Kings in the final of IPL 2025. This was their first IPL title.
Traditionally, the two finalists of the previous season play each other in the first match of the next edition but BCCI is likely to break the tradition.
The teams have already started with the preparations camps ahead of the 2026 season of the cash-rich 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.
Gujarat Titans Appoint Matthew Hayden As Batting Coach
In the latest IPL news, Gujarat Titans appointed former Australia opener and aggressive batter Matthew Hayden as the batting coach. Speaking about his new role, Hayden said: “Good batting applies pressure. Great batting owns the game. That’s the standard we want to set at Gujarat Titans.”
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