IPL 2026 first-phase schedule released, RCB host SRH in season opener on March 28 at Chinnaswamy

The IPL 2026 first-phase schedule has finally been released on Wednesday, March 11. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the season opener at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on March 28.

The iconic venue, however, has still not received the green signal to host matches as a clearance from an expert committee of the Karnataka state government is awaited.

"The committee will conduct a meeting and inspection of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 13, 2026, during which a full-scale mock demonstration of match-day arrangements will be carried out to assess the stadium's preparedness for hosting IPL matches," an IPL media release stated.

The first-phase schedule includes 20 matches with four double-headers on the intervening two weekends. The reason for the delay in releasing the schedule and announcing it in two tranches is the assembly elections in the states of West Bengal, Assam, and Tamil Nadu. Incidentally, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings have their home grounds in those states.

All the teams will play four matches each in the first-phase, however it is not clear yet what the groupings are. As a matter of fact, all the teams are pooled in two groups with each team in a group playing against their group members twice and against the other group teams once.

Meanwhile, apart from the primary home venues RCB and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play their matches at Raipur and Dharamsala, respectively as well.

IPL 2026 First-phase Schedule