IPL 2026 Schedule Overview: Format and Key Dates
The Indian Premier League 2026 is set to run from late March through the end of May, delivering nearly two months of non-stop T20 cricket action. With 10 teams competing across multiple venues, the schedule features 74 league-stage matches followed by the playoff rounds. The format remains familiar: each team plays 14 matches (7 home, 7 away), with the top four qualifying for the playoffs.
Venue rotation plays a crucial role in determining team fortunes. Franchises that perform well at home build momentum through familiar conditions and crowd support, while away form often separates genuine contenders from pretenders. Double-header days, typically featuring an afternoon and evening match, add a unique scheduling dynamic where teams playing the first game may face heat-related challenges.
Group Stage Format and How Teams Qualify
All 10 teams play in a single league table, with each team facing every other team at least once and selected opponents twice. The top four teams after 74 matches advance to the playoffs, which use the tried-and-tested format: Qualifier 1 (1st vs 2nd), Eliminator (3rd vs 4th), Qualifier 2 (loser of Q1 vs winner of Eliminator), and the Final.
This format rewards consistency across the full league stage while giving the top two teams an additional safety net. Finishing first or second means you get two chances to reach the final, which is why the race for the top-two spots is often more intense than the battle for third and fourth.
Top 10 Must-Watch Matches of IPL 2026
1. MI vs CSK (Opening Weekend): The greatest rivalry in IPL history kicks off the season with a blockbuster. Mumbai Indians against Chennai Super Kings never disappoints, and form counts for nothing in this fixture. Prediction: CSK to edge it with their experience in high-profile games.
2. RCB vs MI (Week 2): Two of the most popular franchises clash early. Virat Kohli versus the Mumbai bowling attack is always compelling viewing, and the atmosphere will be electric regardless of the venue. Prediction: MI’s bowling depth to prove decisive in a tight contest.
3. KKR vs RR (Week 3): The 2024 champions against one of the most exciting young squads. KKR’s experience versus RR’s fearless approach makes this a fascinating tactical battle. Prediction: RR’s aggressive batting to overpower KKR on a flat deck.
4. GT vs CSK (Week 4): Two franchise mentalities collide. GT’s smart game management against CSK’s veteran composure. Rashid Khan versus the CSK batting lineup is a match-up that could define the middle overs. Prediction: GT to win a low-scoring thriller if Rashid bowls to his best.
5. MI vs RCB (Week 5): The reverse fixture, and by this point both teams will know exactly where they stand in the table. Desperation often makes this return fixture even more competitive. Prediction: RCB to turn the tables at home with passionate crowd support.
6. SRH vs RR (Week 6): Batting fireworks guaranteed. Both teams possess explosive top orders, and this match could produce the highest total of the tournament. Prediction: A combined 400+ runs with SRH’s home advantage tipping the balance.
7. DC vs PBKS (Week 7): The battle between two teams desperate to prove themselves. Both franchises need wins to stay in playoff contention, making this a high-stakes mid-table encounter. Prediction: DC’s spin duo to outperform PBKS in a crucial mid-season game.
8. CSK vs KKR (Week 8): Two former champions with contrasting styles. CSK’s experience against KKR’s youthful energy. This fixture often produces close finishes and dramatic final overs. Prediction: KKR to shade it with superior fielding and middle-overs control.
9. RR vs MI (Week 10): By the business end of the league stage, this match could be a virtual knockout. Both teams eyeing the top four, neither able to afford a loss. Prediction: RR’s batting firepower to overwhelm MI if Jaiswal fires in the powerplay.
10. Qualifier 1 (1st vs 2nd): The biggest match of the league phase. Both teams know they have a second chance if they lose, but nobody wants to take the longer route to the final. Prediction: Whichever team finishes first will carry momentum into this game.
Venue Factors That Will Shape the Season
Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai traditionally offers batting-friendly conditions with a fast outfield, while Chennai’s Chepauk turns square for spinners. Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is famous for dew and high-scoring games under lights. Understanding these venue characteristics is essential for predicting match outcomes.
Afternoon matches in April and May will test players physically, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees in North Indian venues. Teams batting first in afternoon games face the challenge of setting targets in extreme heat, while the chasing team benefits from cooler evening conditions and potential dew.
Check our IPL 2026 predictions hub for venue-specific analysis and match forecasts throughout the tournament.
How many matches are in IPL 2026?
IPL 2026 features 74 league-stage matches plus 4 playoff games (Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final), bringing the total to 78 matches across approximately two months. Each of the 10 teams plays 14 league-stage games.
When do the IPL 2026 playoffs start?
The playoff round typically begins in the last week of May, with Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator played on consecutive days. Qualifier 2 follows a day later, and the Grand Final is usually held on the final Sunday of May. Exact dates will be confirmed by BCCI closer to the tournament.
Which venues host IPL 2026 matches?
IPL 2026 matches will be played across home venues of all 10 franchises, including Mumbai (Wankhede), Chennai (Chepauk), Bengaluru (Chinnaswamy), Kolkata (Eden Gardens), Delhi (Arun Jaitley), Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi), Ahmedabad (Narendra Modi), Jaipur (Sawai Mansingh), Lucknow (Ekana), and Mohali (PCA Stadium). The final is expected to be held at a neutral venue.