IPL 2026 Schedule Released: Mumbai Indians to Play CSK and RCB Twice
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has officially unveiled the full IPL 2026 Schedule, confirming several blockbuster clashes for fans across the season.
Table of Contents
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) will face their biggest rivals, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), twice in the league stage. In addition, MI are set to clash two times with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), making the IPL 2026 Schedule one of the most exciting in recent years. The tournament begins on March 28, with RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Revised Format and Group Structure
The IPL 2026 Schedule follows the familiar two-group format, with teams divided based on title wins:
- Group A: CSK, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, RCB, and Punjab Kings
- Group B: MI, SRH, Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals, and Lucknow Super Giants
In a key change this season, teams will play once against sides in their own group and twice against teams in the opposite group. This adjustment in the IPL 2026 Schedule ensures more high-profile inter-group matchups.
Major fixtures include:
- MI vs CSK on April 23 (Mumbai) and May 2 (Chennai)
- MI vs RCB on April 12 (Mumbai) and May 10 (Raipur)
Match Timeline and Venues
According to the IPL 2026 Schedule, 20 matches will be played between March 28 and April 12, including a double-header Sunday. The remaining 50 league games will take place from April 13 to May 24 across 12 venues in India.
Raipur has been selected as RCB’s secondary home venue for two matches. Meanwhile, Dharamsala returns to the calendar, with the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium hosting the rescheduled clash between Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings on May 11.
A total of 12 double-headers are planned this season. While playoff venues are yet to be announced, the final is expected to take place on May 31.
Read More:-
Afternoon Match Breakdown
The IPL 2026 Schedule also includes 12 afternoon matches, with each team playing at least two. Most teams will host at least one afternoon game at home, except Rajasthan Royals, who will play both their afternoon fixtures away.
Delhi Capitals are the only team set to host two afternoon matches at home. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals will each play three afternoon matches—more than any other teams this season.
