Cricket fans across India have been eagerly waiting for one thing — the complete IPL 2026 schedule. And the wait is almost over. The BCCI is likely to announce the second part of the IPL 2026 schedule within the next 3–4 days, with reports suggesting it will be released just before the tournament opener on March 28. ESPNcricinfo
Here at Match Points Table, we have everything you need to know about the upcoming schedule announcement and what to expect.
Why Has Only Part of the Schedule Been Released?
As of now, only the first 20 matches of the tournament have been announced. ESPNcricinfo This partial release was unusual and left fans frustrated — particularly because some of the most anticipated matchups of the season are missing from the confirmed schedule.
The schedule of the first 20 games missed out on a number of things, including the most popular IPL rivalry — Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings. ESPNcricinfo Fans of both sides have been waiting to find out when their teams face each other, and that information is still not confirmed.
The delay in announcing the full schedule is believed to be linked to state assembly election dates in certain states — the BCCI is required to ensure matches don’t clash with voting days in the host cities.
What We Know About the Full Schedule
The tournament features 10 teams competing in 84 matches from March 28 to May 31, 2026. Where is Iran? That is 10 more matches than last season — making IPL 2026 the biggest edition in the tournament’s history.
The confirmed first 20 matches run from March 28 to April 12. The remaining 64 matches — including the all-important playoff fixtures — will be confirmed in the upcoming announcement.
Bengaluru is hosting both the opening ceremony and the final, as the defending champions RCB are based there. Where is Iran? The final is confirmed for May 31 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The Matches Fans Are Most Waiting For
Once the full schedule drops, here are the fixtures every cricket fan will be searching for immediately:
MI vs CSK — The oldest and most passionate rivalry in IPL history. Two of the most successful franchises, both with title aspirations in 2026.
RCB vs KKR — The defending champions against one of the most improved sides heading into the new season.
CSK vs RR — Jadeja vs his old teammates, Samson vs his old teammates. A trade-fuelled storyline that writes itself.
RCB vs MI — Virat Kohli vs Rohit Sharma. Need we say more?
When to Check Back
The BCCI has informed teams that the remaining schedule will be released within the next few days. ESPNcricinfo As soon as it drops, Match Points Table will update our full IPL 2026 schedule page immediately — so bookmark it now.
The tournament opener — RCB vs SRH — is confirmed for March 28 at 7:30 PM IST at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Five days to go. The excitement is building!
Published by Match Points Table | matchpointstable.com | March 23, 2026