RCB-SRH clash to kick-off IPL 2026 season as BCCI announced Phase 1 schedule

BCCI announced the first phase of IPL 2026 schedule on Wednesday, March 11th. According to the schedule, the IPL 2025 champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The tournament will have two phases; the first phase runs from 28th March to 12th April. On the second day, Mumbai Indians will play Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai. This will be followed by Chennai Super Kings clashing with Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati.

RCB will play their next game against Chennai Super Kings in the Southern Derby in Bengaluru on 5th April. The Royal Challengers will play two more games in the first phase: contesting against the Rajasthan Royals on 10th April and Mumbai Indians on 12th April to cap off Phase 1. RCB's clash against Rajasthan will happen in Guwahati before they hit the road again to take on Mumbai at the Wankhede.

Here's the full Phase 1 schedule in IPL 2026.

Note: Chinnaswamy stadium venue confirmation subject to final approval from the Karnataka govt.