Biggest IPL Season This Year: 84 Matches to be Played, Each Team to Play 16 Games, Starts March 28

The 19th season of the Indian Premier League is set to begin on March 28. The final will be played on May 31. This will be the biggest IPL season to date, featuring 84 matches played between 10 teams.

The opening match will take place between the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. This contest will be held at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Assembly elections are scheduled to take place in five states during April and May. These include Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam—states that also serve as hosts for IPL matches. For this reason, only the schedule for the 20 matches to be played between March 28 and April 12 has been released so far.

A total of 10 teams are participating in the league. These include Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans.

When do the Playoffs begin?

While the full schedule has not yet been released, the BCCI has confirmed that the final will be played in Bengaluru on May 31. Based on this timeline, the first Qualifier is likely to be played on May 26, the Eliminator on May 27, and the second Qualifier on May 29.

How many venues will host matches?

Unlike IPL 2026, this season's matches will be played across 13 different cities in India. Of the 10 teams, seven have selected a single home ground each, while Bengaluru, Punjab, and Rajasthan have designated two home grounds apiece.

An IPL match will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur after a gap of 13 years. RCB has adopted this venue as its second home ground. The last time an IPL match was held at the Raipur stadium was in 2013, between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders.

What's New This Season?

No Practice on Match Days: No team will be permitted to conduct net practice on the day of a match. Furthermore, no team is allowed to utilize the nets designated for another team. Even if one team finishes its practice session early, the other team will not be permitted to use that specific pitch. Travel and Safety Regulations: Players are required to travel exclusively via the team bus. Family members will be permitted access only within the designated Hospitality Zones.

Player and Team Discipline: All staff members must carry their ID cards with them at all times. Children and unauthorized family members are strictly prohibited from entering the dugout or the playing field.

Broadcast and Dress Code: Players holding the Orange and Purple Caps are required to wear their respective caps throughout the match. Even if a player wishes to remove their cap while fielding, they must wear it for the first two overs of the innings. Sleeveless jerseys are not permitted during post-match presentations.

Who are the Defending Champions?

In IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are the defending champions. RCB secured their maiden IPL title last season following a stellar performance. The team defeated the Punjab Kings by 6 runs in the 2025 final.

The Most Expensive Players

In the IPL 2026 auction, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green emerged as the most expensive player, acquired by the Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.20 crore. Meanwhile, among uncapped Indian players, Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma were signed by the Chennai Super Kings for ₹14.20 crore each.

Where to Watch IPL 2026?

IPL 2026 matches will be broadcast on television via the Star Sports Network, while digital streaming will be available through Jio Hotstar. Additionally, you can easily access live scores, match updates, and other information on the Dainik Bhaskar app.