IPL 2026 : The excitement is building as the 19th season of the Indian Premier League is all set to begin on March 28. The opening match will see Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, promising a thrilling start to the tournament.
Star Power and Young Talent on Display
This season will feature a mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents from across the globe. Big names like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jos Buttler are expected to headline the action.
Meanwhile, explosive players such as Finn Allen, who grabbed attention with a rapid century in the T20 World Cup 2026, could emerge as game-changers.
Match Timings and Schedule Details
Matches scheduled during the day will begin at 3:30 PM IST, while evening games are set for a 7:30 PM IST start. The toss will take place 30 minutes before each match.
The league stage will run from March 28 to May 24, featuring a total of 70 matches played across 12 different cities. The tournament schedule was released in two phases, with the initial 20 matches announced earlier, followed by the remaining fixtures.
Where to Watch IPL 2026 Live
Fans can catch all the live action on the Star Sports Network on television. For those who prefer streaming, matches will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
Opening Match Details
The first match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will kick off at 7:30 PM IST on March 28, setting the stage for nearly two and a half months of high-octane cricket.
With top-tier talent and packed stadiums expected, IPL 2026 promises another unforgettable season for cricket lovers.