IPL 2026 official start date confirmed: Indian Premier League season 19 set to begin on March 28
The decision follows internal discussions within the IPL Governing Council after franchises were initially briefed in December 2025 about a March 26 launch.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to ignite cricket fever with its official start date confirmed for March 28, as announced by broadcaster Star Sports on Sunday. The revelation came just before the high-stakes India vs New Zealand ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the full fixture list is still awaited from the IPL governing body, excitement is building around defending champions.
IPL 2026: Start date and defending champions
The 19th edition of the IPL will commence on March 28, 2026, promising another thrilling season of T20 cricket. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to release the full fixture list, anticipation is building for the tournament’s schedule. Royal Challengers Bengaluru, led by their passionate fanbase, will defend their title after a nail-biting six-run victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad. The win marked a historic moment for RCB, ending their long wait for the coveted trophy.
Chinnaswamy Stadium back in sction for RCB
A major boost for Bengaluru fans is the return of IPL cricket to the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Secretary Santosh Menon confirmed earlier this month that the venue will host five of RCB's home games in IPL 2026. Adding to the prestige, Chinnaswamy will also stage one playoff match and the grand finale.
RCB's remaining two home fixtures will shift to the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, due to prior arrangements.
In an official statement, RCB expressed deep appreciation for the support received. "RCB extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the Karnataka Police for their unwavering guidance, cooperation and support in facilitating the hosting of matches in Bengaluru. The collective efforts to ramp up infrastructure and safety measures in time for the IPL season have ensured that the defending champions will play the majority of their home games in their home ground."
CEO Rajesh Menon highlighted the emotional significance of the venue. "The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground; it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive. The energy our fans bring to Bengaluru has always been a driving force for our players, inspiring them through every phase of the game. Our fans have stood by us unconditionally, and they deserve the opportunity to watch their team compete at home."
He added, "After detailed discussions and completing the necessary due process around permissions, we are pleased to confirm that RCB will play five matches in Bengaluru. We sincerely thank the Government of Karnataka, the KSCA, and the Karnataka Police for their support in making this possible."
Emotional return after tragic 2025 incident
The decision carries extra weight following a heartbreaking event in June 2025. Cricket activities at Chinnaswamy were halted after a tragic stampede during RCB's IPL 2025 title celebrations claimed 11 lives and injured several others. Enhanced safety protocols and infrastructure upgrades have paved the way for a safe return, allowing fans to rally behind their team once more.
With the tournament promising high-octane action across 10 teams and multiple venues, all eyes are on RCB as they aim to build on last year's success. The full schedule, including exact matchups and timings, is expected soon, setting the stage for another unforgettable IPL season.
About the Author
Aachal Maniyar is a Senior Content Producer at LiveMint, where she covers US sports with a focus on major leagues, marquee events, and athlete-driven stories, while also reporting extensively on cricket and global sports. With over five years of first-hand journalism experience, she combines sharp editorial judgment with real-time sports storytelling across platforms. <br><br> Her reporting journey spans leading newsrooms including Thomson Reuters, India TV, BTVI, ET NOW, and CNBC TV18, where she has worked across breaking news, live match coverage, feature writing, interviews, video scripting, and anchoring. This multi-platform exposure has shaped her ability to deliver context-rich sports and business journalism tailored for both television and digital audiences. <br><br> Aachal has conducted and produced exclusive interviews with athletes and public figures such as India cricketer Dhruv Jurel, Indian women’s hockey captain Savita Punia, and industrialist Ratan Tata, along with several emerging and established sports personalities. Her body of work includes in-depth explainers, athlete profiles, emotionally resonant fan narratives, and data-backed match analysis across cricket, Olympic sports, and international competitions. <br><br> She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune, and believes in reporting that is grounded in accuracy, clarity, and credibility. Her philosophy is simple: sports journalism should go beyond scores and statistics, capturing the human stories, pressure moments, and decisions that shape the game and the people who play it.
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