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2026 IPL Kicks Off March 28 with 10 Teams

3/29/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The 2026 Indian Premier League begins March 28 with 10 teams.
There are 84 matches scheduled through May 31.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Bengaluru has designated Raipur as a second home ground for the season.
The playoff schedule will be announced later, pending state election dates.

History

Historical Context

The Indian Premier League (IPL) was launched by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 2008, following the success of the 2007 ICC World Twenty20. The inaugural season featured eight teams and generated approximately $1.5 billion in revenue. The IPL's franchise model has since transformed cricket commercialization, making it the richest cricket league globally and influencing sports leagues worldwide.

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Story summary

The 2026 Indian Premier League begins March 28 with 10 teams.
There are 84 matches scheduled through May 31.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Bengaluru has designated Raipur as a second home ground for the season.
The playoff schedule will be announced later, pending state election dates.

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