IPL 2026 Starts Today! Full Schedule, All 10 Teams, Points Table, No Opening Ceremony Everything You Need to Know
The biggest cricket tournament on the planet is finally here. TATA IPL 2026 — the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League — kicks off today, March 28, 2026, with an electrifying first match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru at 7:30 PM IST.
Whether you want the full schedule, the updated points table, where to watch, or why BCCI cancelled the opening ceremony — this guide covers everything you need to know about IPL 2026.
Why BCCI Cancelled the IPL 2026 Opening Ceremony
In a solemn and touching gesture, BCCI has cancelled the IPL 2026 opening ceremony as a mark of respect for the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred during RCB’s IPL 2025 victory celebrations on June 4, 2025, outside M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The stampede claimed 11 lives and injured many others, leaving a deep scar on the city and the cricketing community.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Sakia confirmed the decision, saying the Board felt it was inappropriate to celebrate loudly while the families of the victims were still grieving. However, a grand closing ceremony has been planned for the IPL 2026 Final on May 31.
The Chinnaswamy Stadium itself had been temporarily banned from hosting matches after the stampede. The Karnataka government granted special permission for IPL 2026 matches to resume at the venue, with strict crowd management rules in place.
IPL 2026 Key Facts — Quick Overview
- Edition: 19th — TATA IPL 2026
- Start date: March 28, 2026
- Final date: May 31, 2026
- Total matches: 74
- Teams: 10 franchises
- Title sponsor: TATA Group (₹2,500 crore deal until 2028)
- Defending champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (won maiden title in 2025)
- Venues: 13 stadiums across India
- Opening match: RCB vs SRH at Chinnaswamy, Bengaluru
IPL 2026 Schedule — First 5 Matches
- Match 1 — Today (Mar 28): RCB vs SRH — Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7:30 PM IST
- Match 2 — Mar 29 (Sun): MI vs KKR — Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 7:30 PM IST
- Match 3 — Mar 30 (Mon): RR vs CSK — ACA Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, 7:30 PM IST
- Match 4 — Mar 31 (Tue): PBKS vs GT — Mullanpur Stadium, Punjab, 7:30 PM IST
- Match 5 — Apr 1 (Wed): LSG vs DC — Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, 7:30 PM IST
IPL 2026 Points Table — Updated After Every Match
The IPL 2026 season has just started. The points table will be updated on this page https://matchpointstable.com/ipl-2026-points-table-live-standings-rankings/ after every match. Bookmark this article and check back daily for the latest standings. Currently all 10 teams are on 0 points as the tournament begins today.
We will update the table after the RCB vs SRH result tonight.
All 10 Teams in IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
The defending champions and everyone’s biggest story this season. RCB won their maiden IPL title in 2025 under captain Rajat Patidar. The franchise has also gone through a massive ownership change — sold to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group and The Times of India for a record $1.78 billion (₹16,706 crore). Key players: Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar (c), Tim David, Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Mumbai Indians (MI)
Five-time champions looking to bounce back after a disappointing IPL 2025. Rohit Sharma leads a squad that also features Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, and new signing Sherfane Rutherford.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
The most beloved franchise in IPL. CSK had a horror 2025, finishing last. They have rebuilt with new signings including Sanju Samson, Spencer Johnson, and young talent Ayush Mhatre. MS Dhoni continues — but a calf injury puts his early availability in doubt.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
IPL 2024 champions, KKR start 2026 with Cameron Green as their most expensive overseas signing at ₹25.20 crore. Shreyas Iyer captains, with Rinku Singh as vice-captain. They face MI tomorrow.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Known for big scores, SRH have an explosive batting lineup featuring Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen. But Pat Cummins is injured, leaving their bowling exposed in the early matches.
Where to Watch IPL 2026 Live — TV and Online
- TV (India): Star Sports 1, Star Sports 2 (Hindi + English commentary)
- Online streaming (India): JioHotstar app and website (subscription required)
- Free option: Some matches available free on JioHotstar with ads — check the app for details
- International: Check your local broadcaster — Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA/Canada), Fox Sports (Australia)
Big Storylines to Follow in IPL 2026
- Can RCB become back-to-back IPL champions for the first time under new owners?
- Will Virat Kohli break his own all-time IPL run record this season?
- Is this MS Dhoni’s final IPL season? The question that never goes away.
- Can MI’s “Big 4” — Rohit, SKY, Hardik, Tilak — fire together?
- Cameron Green at ₹25.20 crore for KKR — will he justify the massive price tag?
- RCB’s new owners — Aditya Birla Group takes charge for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 starts today — March 28, 2026 — with the opening match RCB vs SRH at 7:30 PM IST at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Why was the IPL 2026 opening ceremony cancelled?
BCCI cancelled the opening ceremony as a tribute to the 11 victims of the Chinnaswamy stampede that occurred during RCB’s IPL 2025 title celebrations in June 2025.
How many matches are in IPL 2026?
IPL 2026 will have a total of 74 matches, including the playoff and the final on May 31, 2026.
Which team won IPL 2025?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won IPL 2025 under captain Rajat Patidar, clinching their maiden IPL title.
How to watch IPL 2026 free online?
JioHotstar offers some free streaming options with ads. You can also check the JioHotstar app without a paid subscription for limited access to matches.
Who bought RCB in 2026?
RCB was sold to a consortium led by the Aditya Birla Group, The Times of India Group, Bolt Ventures, and Blackstone for $1.78 billion (₹16,706 crore).