IPL 2026 Schedule: Time Table, Teams, Match List, Schedule

IPL 2026 tournament set to begin on March 22nd, the stage is all set for another thrilling summer of cricket.

This year's edition follows the drama of last season, where RCB finally won their maiden title, ending an 18-year wait. From high-scoring matches to a mid-season turnaround due to geopolitical tensions, last season had it all. A total of 74 matches will be played across iconic stadiums, featuring star players, new captains and fierce competition.

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Whether you're cheering for CSK in Chepke or watching an incredible game at Eden Gardens, this season is sure to deliver unforgettable moments.

The wait is over for the much-awaited Tata IPL 2026 schedule. We provide a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know.

Revival of IPL 2025

Before diving into the Tata IPL 2026 schedule, let's take a look back at one of the most dramatic seasons in IPL history. The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League had it all: high scores, thrilling last-over moments, and even a mid-season suspension due to the India-Pakistan crisis.

The tournament began on March 22 with KKR hosting the Eden Gardens. But in a surprising turn of events, the defending champions KKR could not even make it past the league stage. On the other hand, RCB finally broke their 18-year curse by winning against Punjab Kings by just 6 runs to win their maiden IPL title.

Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudharsan lit up the tournament with the bat, scoring a remarkable 759 runs, while his teammate Prasidh Krishna dominated with the ball, taking 25 wickets.

This season saw a unique change in dynamics, with geopolitical tensions leading to a mid-season break from May 9 and matches being shifted to six different venues on May 17. Despite the challenges, the energy was unmatched. Fans witnessed gripping finishes, strong performances and emerging stars, making Tata IPL 2026 a true rollercoaster.

IPL 2026 Schedule 

The curtain has come down on the IPL 2025 season, and excitement is already building for the next edition. 

Whether you're planning a trip to the stadium or setting reminders for your favorite team's clash, this analysis has you covered.

From strong weekend double-headers to intense weekend rivalries, IPL 2026 promises a balanced mix of entertainment and competition.

Announced: Complete IPL 2025 Auction Players List!

The IPL is traditionally held during the Indian summer (late March to May).

Here is detailed information about the possible match schedule for Tata IPL 2026:

IPL 2026 Schedule for March and April

Here are the details of the group stage matches to be held in March and April:

IPL 2026 May schedule

Here are the details of the group stage matches to be held in May:

IPL 2026 Playoffs

Once the group stage play is complete, the playoffs for the 2026 season will begin.

Here's how it's played:

Note : The above schedule or list of matches has been announced by the BCCI.

See the latest points for each team!

IPL 2026 auction, player retention rules and salary structure

The excitement surrounding IPL 2026 has reached a new peak, with the official list of players retained and released now out. This year's retention day featured several surprises, big deals and big budget decisions that will directly impact how the franchises move towards the mega auction, which is scheduled to take place on December 16.

The most talked about team was KKR, who took a bold step by releasing big names like Andre Russell and Venkatesh Iyer. With this decision, KKR will enter the IPL 2026 auction with the highest bid of Rs 64.30 crore among all the teams.

On the other hand, after retaining strong and expensive players like Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Sky and Trent Boult, MI has the least remaining pocket, just ₹2.75 crore.

Team's remaining purse before IPL 2026 auction

• KKR: ₹64.30 crore
• CSK: ₹43.40 crore
• LSG: ₹22.95 crore
• DC: ₹21.80 crore
• SRH: ₹25.50 crore
• RR: ₹16.05 crore
• RCB: ₹16.40 crore
• GT: ₹12.90 crore
• PBKS: ₹11.50 crore
• MI: ₹2.75 crore

Clearly KKR has the most buying power, while MI will have to be selective in the auction.

Salary slats for retained players ahead of IPL 2026 auction

One notable change in the retention rules is the salary slab for retained players. Teams will now be able to retain 5 capped players (Indian or foreign) and 1 uncapped player, meaning each team can retain a total of 6 players.

However, franchises can retain only two uncapped players in total and the salary of an uncapped retained player is Rs 4 crore.

The salaries of the retained players will be deducted from the total of Tk 120 crore, meaning if a franchise retains more players, their auction budget will be reduced accordingly.

Here are the salary slabs for retained players as per the updated rules:

Direct Retention Salary Structure:

Salary structure of uncapped players:

• Uncapped Retained Players:  4 crore taka

This retention framework gives franchises the opportunity to secure their key players while ensuring a competitive auction pool. With an increased auction purse and a new retention cap, the IPL 2026 auction promises to be a pivotal moment for teams looking to rebuild or strengthen their squads.

Check out the latest news about IPL 2025!

IPL 2026 Teams and Captains

Below is the list of participating teams and captains in the 2026 IPL schedule.

IPL 2026 Venue

Tata IPL 2026 Schedule PDF Download

If you are someone who likes to keep things handy and stay updated without having to check the internet every time, downloading the entire schedule in PDF format is the best option for you.

With just one click, you can save the entire game to your device, which includes all the features of 74 matches, including match dates, venues, and Indian time.

Click here to get the complete schedule PDF download version offline.

Tata IPL 2026 Points Table

The IPL points table shows which teams are making it to the playoffs and which are struggling to maintain their consistency. Fans often say that one over can change a match, but here, one run can determine whether a team qualifies for the knockouts or not.

The rule is simple:

• A win = 2 points
• No results or washouts = 1 point
• A defeat = 0 points

When teams finish with the same number of points, the net run rate (NRR) comes into play, making every ball bowled and every run scored incredibly valuable. This is why even in one-sided matches, teams fight to the end to keep their NRR healthy.

Here's what the table looks like before work begins:

So, mark your calendars for the opening match on March 22nd, which is scheduled to be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. It features 74 thrilling matches, culminating in the grand finale on May 25th.

Stay tuned for the official schedule announcement from BCCI.

IPL 2026 FAQs

Q1: When will the first match of IPL 2026 be held?

A: The first match will be held on March 22nd.

Q2: How many matches are there in the Indian Premier League 2026 schedule?

A: 74 matches this season.

Q3: Where will the IPL 2026 final be held?

A: The venue for the final is yet to be confirmed by the BCCI, but the match is likely to be held in Ahmedabad.

Q4: Will MS Dhoni play in the 2026 IPL?

A: Yes, MS Dhoni will play for CSK in the upcoming IPL.