IPL 2026 Season Set to Begin on March 28 with RCB as Defending Champions

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is officially scheduled to start on March 28, with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defending their title. The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five of RCB's home games, including the final. Following a tragic incident in 2025, the stadium is reopening, and RCB expresses gratitude for the support received from local authorities. Fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead as the team prepares to compete at home.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 8, 2026, 18:34 IST

IPL 2026 Launch Date Announced

Star Sports has officially announced that the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 will commence on March 28. This announcement was made just before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. The specific match schedule for IPL 2026 is still pending.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Home Matches

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will enter the tournament as the reigning champions, having triumphed over Punjab Kings by six runs in the 2025 final.

Recently, Santosh Menon, Secretary of the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), confirmed that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will host five of RCB's home games during IPL 2026.

Additionally, this venue will also be the site for the IPL 2026 final and one of the playoff matches.

The remaining two home games for RCB will take place at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

RCB's Acknowledgment of Support

In a recent statement, RCB expressed gratitude towards the Government of Karnataka, the KSCA, and the Karnataka Police for their continuous support in organizing matches in Bengaluru. The collaborative efforts to enhance infrastructure and safety measures have allowed the defending champions to play most of their home games at their home ground.

Rajesh Menon, CEO of RCB, emphasized the significance of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, stating, "It is more than just our home ground; it embodies our team's identity. The enthusiasm of our fans in Bengaluru motivates our players throughout the game. Our supporters have always been there for us, and they deserve to see their team compete at home."

Menon further added, "After thorough discussions and obtaining the necessary permissions, we are delighted to confirm that RCB will host five matches in Bengaluru. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Government of Karnataka, the KSCA, and the Karnataka Police for their assistance in making this happen."

Stadium Reopening Following 2025 Tragedy

Cricket activities at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium were halted since June of the previous year due to a tragic incident where 11 individuals lost their lives and many others were injured in a stampede during RCB's IPL 2025 title celebration.