The countdown is over. IPL 2026 is here, and the cricket world turns its eyes to Bengaluru, where defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the season opener on Saturday, March 28. After 18 years of heartbreak, RCB finally broke their title drought last season under debut captain Rajat Patidar. Now, the challenge is to become only the third team to defend the IPL crown.

This season arrives with a fresh set of storylines. Rajasthan Royals (RR) will step into a new era – both in leadership and ownership. Riyan Parag takes over as captain after Sanju Samson’s trade to Chennai Super Kings (CSK), while a US‑based consortium led by Kal Somani, backed by Walmart heir Rob Walton, has bought the franchise for a record $1.63 billion.

Injuries have already thrown up early hurdles. Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness remains a concern after he checked into the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence, casting a shadow over Mumbai Indians’ (MI) pace attack. Sunrisers will begin without captain Pat Cummins (back injury), with Ishan Kishan leading in his absence. KKR have lost Harshit Rana and Matheesha Pathirana to injuries, while GT’s Mohammed Shami returns after a lengthy layoff – a major boost for the Titans.

As the league celebrates its 19th edition, the search for new heroes begins. Will Patidar prove his captaincy was no one-season wonder? Can Hardik Pandya’s MI reclaim the throne? Will Parag’s youthful leadership spark a Royals revival? And can the fans – filling stadiums from Chepauk to Eden Gardens – create the carnival atmosphere that makes the IPL unlike anything else?

The answers start unfolding tonight. Over the next two months, 74 matches will decide who joins the elite list of IPL champions. One thing is certain: the drama, the rivalries and the unforgettable moments are back. IPL 2026 is underway.

IPL 2026 Full Schedule

Note: IST= GMT+ 5:30 hrs

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IPL 2026: Broadcast and Live Streaming details

• India: Star Sports; JioHotstar app
• United Kingdom (UK): Sky Sports Cricket; Sky Go, NOW TV
• United States of America (US): Willow TV [Sign up here]
• Australia: Fox Sports, Channel 7; Kayo Sports
• Pakistan: A Sports, Ten Sports; Tapmad, Tamasha app
• Bangladesh: Gazi TV (GTV); Rabbithole App
• Nepal and Bhutan: Star Sports; JioHotstar (via India feed)
• Canada: ATN Cricket Plus; ATN Online
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ; Sky Sport Now
• Middle East & North Africa (MENA): beIN Sports; beIN CONNECT
• Caribbean: SportsMax
• South Africa: SuperSport; DStv app
• Sri Lanka: SLRC Channel Eye; Dialog TV Go

Also READ: From AB de Villiers to Suresh Raina – Star Sports unveils elite list of commentators for IPL 2026

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