IPL 2026 to Be Longest Season with 84 Matches
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Mumbai
- Mar 25, 2026
- 550
The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to get underway on March 28, ushering in its most extensive season yet, with 84 matches scheduled across a two-month window culminating in the final on May 31.
Reigning champions Royal Challengers Bangalore will launch the tournament against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, setting the stage for an intense competition among ten franchises.
Owing to the overlap with assembly elections in key states such as West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has opted to unveil the schedule in phases. At present, only fixtures between March 28 and April 12—covering 20 matches—have been officially released.
The league will feature ten teams: Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, and Gujarat Titans.
Matches will be staged across 13 cities nationwide, with most franchises retaining a single home venue, while Bengaluru, Punjab, and Rajasthan will operate from dual venues. Notably, Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium returns to the IPL roster after 13 years, having been designated as a secondary home ground by Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Although the complete fixture list remains pending, the final is confirmed for Bengaluru on May 31. Tentative playoff dates suggest Qualifier 1 on May 26, the Eliminator on May 27, Qualifier 2 on May 29, and the final on May 31.
Key Regulatory Changes
Matchday Protocols:
Practice sessions on match days have been prohibited, and teams will not be allowed to use nets assigned to their opponents.
Travel & Security Measures:
Players are required to travel exclusively via team buses, while access for family members will be limited to hospitality zones.
Discipline & Accreditation:
Strict identification norms will be enforced for all personnel. Entry into restricted areas such as dugouts and the field will not be permitted for unaccompanied family members or children.
Presentation Norms:
Players holding the Orange and Purple Caps must wear them during matches, at least in the opening overs while fielding. Sleeveless jerseys have been barred from post-match presentations.
Champions & Auction Highlights
Royal Challengers Bangalore head into the season as defending champions, having secured their maiden IPL title in 2025 with a narrow six-run victory over Punjab Kings.
In the auction, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green emerged as the highest-priced player, joining Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹25.20 crore. Among Indian uncapped players, Prashanth Veer and Kartik Sharma attracted significant bids from Chennai Super Kings, each being signed for ₹14.20 crore.
Broadcast & Streaming
The tournament will be broadcast on the Star Sports network, with live streaming available via Jio Hotstar, ensuring wide accessibility for viewers across platforms.