IPL 2026 schedule announcement today: Date, time, Live streaming - All you need to know

New Delhi, March 11 — Cricket’s festival under lights, the Indian Premier League, returns for its 19th edition this summer and the first piece of the 2026 jigsaw falls into place this evening. The Board of Control for Cricket in India will release the opening-phase fixture list at 7:00 PM IST, bringing clarity to franchises, broadcasters and the millions who follow the tournament across the globe.

The announcement, to be carried live on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network, will cover the tournament’s first 20 days. A second tranche of games will follow once the Election Commission’s polling dates for Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are ratified, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to ANI earlier this week.

IPL 2026 will be the largest in the league’s history, expanding from 74 to 84 matches. Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter as defending champions after clinching their maiden title in 2025 with a victory over Punjab Kings in the final.

Fans can tune in from 7 PM onwards for the first look at venues, kick-off fixtures and the marquee clashes that will set the tone for the season.