Sports
Indian Premier League 2026: 84 Matches, Bengaluru vs. Hyderabad Opener
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season commences on March 28 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Sunrisers Hyderabad. The season will feature a record 84 matches.
The IPL 2026 schedule's first phase includes 20 matches, with four double-headers, between March 28 and April 12. The 2026 season marks the return of the full double round-robin format, which was last used in 2021. Each team will play every other team twice, once at home and once away. The return of this format aims to ensure greater competitive balance. The tournament is expected to expand further to 94 matches from 2028. The IPL and Pakistan Super League (PSL) have a scheduling conflict for the second consecutive year.
Key Facts
- The Indian Premier League 2026 starts March 28.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru will play Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match.
- IPL 2026 will include a record 84 matches.
- The first phase of the IPL 2026 schedule includes 20 matches.
- The schedule includes four double-headers.
- The full double round-robin format returns in 2026.
- The Pakistan Super League begins its 11th edition on March 26, 2026.
- The tournament is expected to expand to 94 matches from 2028 onwards.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Business Upturn — IPL 2026 preview: 84 matches, defending champions RCB, and a tournament unlike any before - Business Upturn Sports
- Business Upturn — IPL and PSL clash again in 2026 -- here is why the calendar conflict has no easy fix - Business Upturn Sports