IPL 2026 Set to Start
“RCB extends its sincere gratitude to the Government of Karnataka, the Karnataka State Cricket Association and the Karnataka Police for their unwavering guidance, cooperation and support in facilitating the hosting of matches in Bengaluru,” said a representative from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is officially set to commence on March 28, 2026, with RCB returning as the defending champions after their narrow victory over Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final, which they won by just six runs.
RCB will play a total of five home games at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, a venue that holds significant importance for the team. “The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium is more than just our home ground; it is where our identity as a team truly comes alive,” stated Rajesh Menon, CEO of RCB.
In addition to their matches in Bengaluru, RCB will also host two games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. This expansion of their home ground presence reflects the team’s commitment to engaging with fans across different regions.
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will not only serve as a venue for RCB’s matches but will also host the final and one playoff match of IPL 2026. This is a significant return for the stadium, especially after cricket activities were suspended following a tragic stampede during RCB’s IPL 2025 title celebrations, which resulted in 11 fatalities.
Enhanced safety protocols and infrastructure upgrades have paved the way for a safe return, allowing fans to rally behind their team once more. “After detailed discussions and completing the necessary due process around permissions, we are pleased to confirm that RCB will play five matches in Bengaluru,” Menon added.
The IPL 2026 season is expected to run from March 26 to May 31, 2026, although the full fixture list has yet to be released. The announcement of the start date was made by Star Sports prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is currently awaiting official confirmation from authorities before finalizing the dates. Details remain unconfirmed.
