The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has started with exciting matches in different cities across India. The first phase includes Match 1 to Match 20, where all teams begin their journey in the tournament. This phase is very important because teams try to build momentum and secure early wins.
Opening Match:
The first match will be played between
Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad
at Bengaluru on March 28 at 7:30 PM.
Fans are expecting a strong start with top players performing in this match.
📅 IPL Match Schedule (Match 1–20)
| Match | Date | Day | Time | Venue | Team 1 | Team 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 28 | Sat | 7:30 PM | M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 2 | Mar 29 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Mumbai Indians | Kolkata Knight Riders |
| 3 | Mar 30 | Mon | 7:30 PM | ACA Stadium, Guwahati | Rajasthan Royals | Chennai Super Kings |
| 4 | Mar 31 | Tue | 7:30 PM | PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh | Punjab Kings | Gujarat Titans |
| 5 | Apr 1 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | Lucknow Super Giants | Delhi Capitals |
| 6 | Apr 2 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 7 | Apr 3 | Fri | 7:30 PM | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Chennai Super Kings | Punjab Kings |
| 8 | Apr 4 | Sat | 3:30 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | Delhi Capitals | Mumbai Indians |
| 9 | Apr 4 | Sat | 7:30 PM | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | Gujarat Titans | Rajasthan Royals |
| 10 | Apr 5 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Hyderabad Stadium | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Lucknow Super Giants |
| 11 | Apr 5 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Chennai Super Kings |
| 12 | Apr 6 | Mon | 7:30 PM | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | Punjab Kings |
| 13 | Apr 7 | Tue | 7:30 PM | ACA Stadium, Guwahati | Rajasthan Royals | Mumbai Indians |
| 14 | Apr 8 | Wed | 7:30 PM | Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi | Delhi Capitals | Gujarat Titans |
| 15 | Apr 9 | Thu | 7:30 PM | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Kolkata Knight Riders | Lucknow Super Giants |
| 16 | Apr 10 | Fri | 7:30 PM | ACA Stadium, Guwahati | Rajasthan Royals | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
| 17 | Apr 11 | Sat | 3:30 PM | PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh | Punjab Kings | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| 18 | Apr 11 | Sat | 7:30 PM | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | Chennai Super Kings | Delhi Capitals |
| 19 | Apr 12 | Sun | 3:30 PM | Ekana Stadium, Lucknow | Lucknow Super Giants | Gujarat Titans |
| 20 | Apr 12 | Sun | 7:30 PM | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | Mumbai Indians | Royal Challengers Bengaluru |
Key Matches to Watch:
Some exciting matches in the first phase:
Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (March 29)
Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings (March 30)
Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings (April 3)
Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 12)
These matches are expected to be high-energy games with strong competition.
Matches Across India:
The first phase matches will be played in many popular stadiums like:
Bengaluru
Mumbai
Chennai
Delhi
Kolkata
Ahmedabad
Lucknow
Guwahati
Hyderabad
This allows fans from different cities to enjoy live cricket action.
Match Timings:
Evening Matches: 7:30 PM IST
Afternoon Matches: 3:30 PM IST (on weekends)
This schedule helps fans watch matches comfortably.
Teams in Action:
All major IPL teams are playing in this phase, including:
Chennai Super Kings
Mumbai Indians
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Kolkata Knight Riders
Delhi Capitals
Punjab Kings
Rajasthan Royals
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Gujarat Titans
Lucknow Super Giants
Conclusion:
The first phase of IPL 2026 is full of exciting matches and strong competition. Every team will try to start well and gain points early in the tournament.
Fans can expect thrilling games, big scores, and close finishes.