IPL 2026 Schedule: Full Match Dates, Team List, and Retained Players

The excitement for the world's most famous T20 competition has reached its height, with fans all around the world looking for the official IPL 2026 Schedule. This year marks the tournament's 19th edition, with high-octane cricket, new leadership roles, and a tight schedule. Fans in Nepal and India see the event as more than simply a game; it is a summer celebration that draws people together. At NepInsights, we are dedicated to providing you with the most accurate match times and team information so you never miss a bit of the action.

The IPL 2026 start date in India is officially set for March 28, 2026, with the opening match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Latest Updates on the IPL 2026 Schedule

The BCCI has finally revealed the both phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, which includes the first 70 matches. The competition will begin on March 28 and end with a grand final on May 31, 2026. Because of the different state elections taking place across India at this time, the remaining fixtures will be released in stages to guarantee the best security and logistics for each venue.

👉Click here to view full IPL schedule 2026

There have been additional rumors of a probably ban on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) following a celebration rush in 2025. However, NepInsights has confirmed that these rumors are untrue. On March 16, the government granted RCB full permission to stage home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, allowing the defending champions to play in front of their home audience.

Complete IPL 2026 Team List and Captains

The upcoming season will feature 10 powerful franchises. The IPL 2026 Team List features a mix of experienced veterans and young stars who have been given the duty of guiding their teams. The following is the current list of teams and captains for 2026:

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IPL 2026 Retained Players List

The IPL 2026 Retained Players List shows that franchises have valued consistency this year. Maintaining a core group of players is critical to team unity and long-term success.

MS Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Ravindra Jadeja will continue to play for the Chennai Super Kings. Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav remain the Mumbai Indians' core players. Meanwhile, the defending champions, RCB, decided to keep Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar, guaranteeing that their batting order remained dangerous. These retentions were finalized weeks before the IPL 2026 auction, providing teams with a clear view of their remaining funds.

👉MS Dhoni Confirmed to Play Entire IPL 2026 Season for Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2026 Auction Players List Highlights

The mini-auction IPL 2026 held in Abu Dhabi saw some big bids, which changed the league's power balance. The IPL 2026 Auction Players List comprised both worldwide superstars and homegrown players looking for new homes.

The biggest headline of the auction was Kolkata Knight Riders acquiring Cameron Green for a record Rs 25.20 crore. By this the most expensive player of IPL 2026 Auction was Cameron Green for KKR. Other popular transfers include Liam Livingstone to the Chennai Super Kings and Ravi Bishnoi to Sunrisers Hyderabad. These thoughtful purchases have increased the depth of some teams' bowling departments, making the 2026 season more unpredictable. NepInsights closely tracks these player movements to bring you the most up-to-date team news.

👉Ishan Kishan to Lead Sunrisers Hyderabad in Early IPL 2026 Matches as Pat Cummins Recovers

Official Match Fixtures IPL 2026 (Phase 1 and 2)

Below is the match list for the first and second phase of the tournament. All night matches will start at 7:30 PM, while double-header afternoon games will begin at 3:30 PM.

Click here to view full ipl 2026 fixture

FAQ on IPL 2026

1. Is RCB banned from IPL 2026?

No, RCB is not banned. Despite rumors, they received government clearance on March 16 to host all their scheduled home matches at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

2. Which team is banned in IPL 2026?

Currently, no IPL franchise is banned from the 2026 season. All ten original teams are confirmed to participate. However, there has been a broadcast ban on the IPL within the country of Bangladesh due to recent diplomatic and sporting tensions.

3. Will MS Dhoni play in IPL 2026?

Yes, CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has confirmed that MS Dhoni will be available and is set to feature for the Chennai Super Kings this season.

4. Will Virat Kohli play in IPL 2026?

Yes, Virat Kohli has already joined the RCB camp in Bengaluru and is confirmed to open the batting for the defending champions.

5. Which team is Matheesha Pathirana in?

Matheesha Pathirana was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹18 crore in the 2026 auction.

6. Which team is Rachin Ravindra in?

Rachin Ravindra is playing for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this season.

7. When does IPL 2026 start?

The tournament officially begins on March 28, 2026.

Conclusion

The IPL 2026 Schedule represents the start of another exciting chapter in cricket history. With the tournament starting on March 28, fans have a lot to look forward to, from updated club rosters to high stakes encounters between longtime foes.

Whether you're following the retained players or the new auction decisions, this season promises to be unrivaled entertainment. Stay tuned to NepInsights for the most recent updates, match analysis, and breaking news on the 2026 Indian Premier League. If you are new to Nepinsights then don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and other social media platforms.

👉RCB Team 2026 Players List with Price