The start date for the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has been revealed on Sunday. According to Star Sports, the official broadcasters of the T20 tournament, the season will begin on March 28.
The start date for the 2026 IPL season was announced just before the T20 World Cup 2026 final between India and New Zealand got underway at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
More details about the upcoming IPL 2026 season, including the schedule, will be announced later.
A total of 10 teams – Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mumbai Indians (MI), Gujarat Titans (GT), Delhi Capitals (DC), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – will play in the IPL 2026.
The IPL 2026 mini auction was held in Abu Dhabi this December, where all the teams got a chance to strengthen their respective squads.
IPL is the most lucrative tournament in the world
The Indian Premier League is considered amongst the most popular and lucrative franchise T20 tournaments in the world.
Started in 2007, the Indian Premier League is entering its 19th season. Royal Challengers Bengaluru are the reigning champions, having won their maiden title last year after beating Punjab Kings in the final.
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings, meanwhile, are the two most successful teams in the world with five titles each. MI won the crown in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020 – all with Rohit Sharma as captain.
Meanwhile, MS Dhoni oversaw all of CSK’s triumphs, which came in 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021 and 2023.
Kolkata Knight Riders are the only other team to have won multiple IPL titles. Under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, KKR secured their first two championships in 2012 and 2014. The franchise lifted its third title in 2024 with Shreyas Iyer as captain.
Rajasthan Royals were the inaugural champions in 2007. The now-defunct Deccan Chargers, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans are the only other teams to have won the IPL title.
