IPL 2026 Schedule First Phase Fixtures Watch Live on Touchcric Full Match Dates Venues and Opening Clashes
The excitement for IPL 2026 has officially started. The first phase schedule is now confirmed and fans already know the opening clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 in Bengaluru.
If you want quick updates and live streaming information, check the latest IPL streaming updates on Touchcric https://touchcricipl.com/ where fans follow every match, team news and live coverage throughout the tournament.
Quick Update IPL 2026 First Phase
The first 20 matches of IPL 2026 will run from March 28 to April 12 with RCB vs SRH opening the tournament in Bengaluru.
This phase features big rivalries like RCB vs CSK and MI vs RCB which are already trending among cricket fans.
IPL 2026 Opening Matches Overview
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | March 28 | RCB vs SRH | Bengaluru |
| Match 2 | March 29 | MI vs KKR | Mumbai |
| Match 3 | March 30 | RR vs CSK | Guwahati |
| Match 4 | March 31 | PBKS vs GT | Mullanpur |
| Match 5 | April 1 | LSG vs DC | Lucknow |
The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their campaign at home in front of a packed stadium. This opening game is expected to draw huge global attention.
Full IPL 2026 First Phase Match Schedule
Below is the confirmed list of the first 20 matches announced by IPL authorities.
| Match | Date | Day | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 28 | Sat | RCB vs SRH | Bengaluru |
| 2 | Mar 29 | Sun | MI vs KKR | Mumbai |
| 3 | Mar 30 | Mon | RR vs CSK | Guwahati |
| 4 | Mar 31 | Tue | PBKS vs GT | Mullanpur |
| 5 | Apr 1 | Wed | LSG vs DC | Lucknow |
| 6 | Apr 2 | Thu | KKR vs SRH | Kolkata |
| 7 | Apr 3 | Fri | CSK vs PBKS | Chennai |
| 8 | Apr 4 | Sat | DC vs MI | Delhi |
| 9 | Apr 4 | Sat | GT vs RR | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | Apr 5 | Sun | SRH vs LSG | Hyderabad |
| 11 | Apr 5 | Sun | RCB vs CSK | Bengaluru |
| 12 | Apr 6 | Mon | KKR vs PBKS | Kolkata |
| 13 | Apr 7 | Tue | RR vs MI | Guwahati |
| 14 | Apr 8 | Wed | DC vs GT | Delhi |
| 15 | Apr 9 | Thu | KKR vs LSG | Kolkata |
| 16 | Apr 10 | Fri | RR vs RCB | Guwahati |
| 17 | Apr 11 | Sat | PBKS vs SRH | Mullanpur |
| 18 | Apr 11 | Sat | CSK vs DC | Chennai |
| 19 | Apr 12 | Sun | LSG vs GT | Lucknow |
| 20 | Apr 12 | Sun | MI vs RCB | Mumbai |
This first phase schedule already includes several blockbuster matchups which could shape the early points table race.
Biggest Matches in the First Phase
Several exciting games are scheduled in the opening two weeks of the tournament.
RCB vs SRH Season Opener
The opening match on March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium will set the tone for IPL 2026. RCB enters the tournament as defending champions which makes the match even more exciting.
RCB vs CSK Rivalry Clash
One of the most anticipated fixtures will be played on April 5 in Bengaluru. The RCB vs CSK rivalry is known for packed stadiums and intense matches.
MI vs RCB Mega Clash
Another blockbuster game arrives on April 12 at Wankhede Stadium where Mumbai Indians will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
IPL 2026 First Phase Teams Overview
| Team | First Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | vs SRH | Bengaluru |
| Mumbai Indians | vs KKR | Mumbai |
| Chennai Super Kings | vs RR | Guwahati |
| Punjab Kings | vs GT | Mullanpur |
| Lucknow Super Giants | vs DC | Lucknow |
| Delhi Capitals | vs LSG | Lucknow |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | vs MI | Mumbai |
| Rajasthan Royals | vs CSK | Guwahati |
| Gujarat Titans | vs PBKS | Mullanpur |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | vs RCB | Bengaluru |
Each team will play multiple matches in the first phase before the second half of the IPL schedule is announced.
What Makes IPL 2026 Start So Exciting
The first phase is crucial because teams try to gain early momentum. A strong start can shape the rest of the season.
Key reasons fans are excited
• Defending champions RCB opening the tournament
• Classic rivalries like MI vs RCB and RCB vs CSK
• Matches across major cricket venues in India
• Packed weekend double headers for fans
With 20 matches scheduled in just over two weeks, the early part of IPL 2026 will already give fans plenty of action.
FAQs
When will IPL 2026 start
IPL 2026 will start on March 28 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru playing Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.
How many matches are in the first phase of IPL 2026
The first phase includes 20 matches scheduled between March 28 and April 12.
Which teams play the opening match of IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening game.
When is MI vs RCB in IPL 2026
Mumbai Indians will play Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 12 at Wankhede Stadium.
Where can fans watch IPL 2026 live online
Fans follow streaming updates and live match information through Touchcric platforms and official broadcasters.
Will the remaining IPL 2026 schedule be announced later
Yes the first phase includes the opening 20 matches and the rest of the schedule will be announced later by the IPL organizers.
Final Thoughts
The announcement of the IPL 2026 first phase schedule has already created massive excitement among cricket fans. With top teams facing off early and rivalries returning, the opening weeks promise thrilling matches and packed stadiums.
Fans should keep an eye on live match updates, streaming options and schedule changes as the tournament gets closer.