The BCCI noted that all matches scheduled at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be subject to clearance from the expert committee appointed by the Karnataka government. File photo
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday (March 11, 2026) announced the schedule for the first phase of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The first phase of the tournament will run from 28 March to 12 April.
As three states are scheduled to undergo Assembly elections during this period, the full schedule will be released once the Election Commission announces the poll dates. Tickets for IPL 2026 are expected to go on sale in March, a few weeks before the tournament begins.
IPL 2026 first phase schedule
The nineteenth edition of the T20 league will begin with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
The BCCI noted that all matches scheduled at the Chinnaswamy Stadium will be subject to clearance from the expert committee appointed by the Karnataka government. The committee will meet on March 13 to review the venue’s readiness to host IPL matches.
A total of 20 matches will be staged across 10 venues: Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
Where to buy IPL 2026 tickets?
IPL 2026 tickets can be purchased through the official website or authorised ticketing partners. They may also be available online through recognised platforms and apps, as well as at selected offline counters.
Fans hoping to attend the opening match can purchase tickets through official ticketing platforms once bookings open. Tickets will be offered on platforms such as BookMyShow, the District app and official team websites. These platforms will allow spectators to choose their preferred seating categories and complete their bookings online.
Ticketing partners
Although the BCCI has not issued any announcement regarding ticket sales, Zomato’s District app has created a dedicated page for IPL tickets with a “Coming Soon” disclaimer, indicating that tickets may become available on the platform once sales begin.
BookMyShow has opened pre sale registration for tickets for Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans matches on its website and mobile app. The platform has stated that registration only provides early access to the booking window and does not guarantee a ticket, nor does it grant access to the venues.
Published – March 12, 2026 01:40 pm IST
