The excitement for IPL 2026 is already building as the tournament is set to begin on March 28, 2026. The opening match will feature Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Ahead of the season, ticket booking details and the Phase 1 match schedule have been announced. Fans who want to watch IPL matches from the stadium can start booking tickets from March 15, 2026 through official online platforms.
Ticket demand is expected to be very high, especially for big teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Kolkata Knight Riders.
IPL 2026 Ticket Booking Start Date
IPL 2026 ticket sales will begin in phases to manage high demand.
| Ticket Sale Phase | Date |
|---|---|
| Fan Club Pre-Sale | Ongoing |
| Phase 1 Public Sale | March 15 – March 20, 2026 |
| Early Matches Tickets | Opening 3–4 matches per team |
Some teams like Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans have already opened fan club registrations which allow early access to ticket sales.
Where to Book IPL 2026 Tickets Online
Fans should buy tickets only from official partners to avoid fraud or fake tickets.
| Platform | Details |
|---|---|
| BookMyShow | Main IPL ticketing partner in India |
| Paytm Insider | Alternative ticketing platform |
| Team Websites | Some franchises sell tickets directly |
| Stadium Box Office | Limited offline tickets |
Fans can simply search the match on these platforms, choose seats from the stadium map, and complete payment online.
IPL 2026 Ticket Price
Ticket prices vary depending on the stadium and seating category. Premium matches usually cost more.
| Seating Category | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| General Stand | ₹500 – ₹1,500 |
| Regular Seating | ₹1,500 – ₹5,000 |
| Premium Stand | ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 |
| VIP / Corporate | ₹10,000 – ₹30,000 |
Due to recent tax changes and higher GST, ticket prices may increase by 10–20% compared to previous seasons.
How to Book IPL 2026 Tickets Online
Booking IPL tickets is simple and usually takes only a few minutes.
- Open BookMyShow or Paytm Insider website/app.
- Search for IPL 2026 or the specific match.
- Select the match and stadium.
- Choose your seat from the interactive stadium map.
- Enter your details and complete payment via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
- Download your e-ticket or QR code after confirmation.
Note: Most platforms give only 5 minutes to complete the checkout, so select seats quickly.
IPL 2026 Phase 1 Match Schedule
The first phase of IPL 2026 includes 20 matches from March 28 to April 12 across multiple venues in India.
| Date | Match | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 28 | RCB vs SRH | 7:30 PM | Bengaluru |
| Mar 29 | MI vs KKR | 7:30 PM | Mumbai |
| Mar 30 | RR vs CSK | 7:30 PM | Guwahati |
| Mar 31 | PBKS vs GT | 7:30 PM | Mullanpur |
| Apr 1 | LSG vs DC | 7:30 PM | Lucknow |
| Apr 2 | KKR vs SRH | 7:30 PM | Kolkata |
| Apr 3 | CSK vs PBKS | 7:30 PM | Chennai |
| Apr 4 | DC vs MI | 3:30 PM | Delhi |
| Apr 4 | GT vs RR | 7:30 PM | Ahmedabad |
| Apr 5 | SRH vs LSG | 3:30 PM | Hyderabad |
| Apr 5 | RCB vs CSK | 7:30 PM | Bengaluru |
| Apr 6 | KKR vs PBKS | 7:30 PM | Kolkata |
| Apr 7 | RR vs MI | 7:30 PM | Guwahati |
| Apr 8 | DC vs GT | 7:30 PM | Delhi |
| Apr 9 | KKR vs LSG | 7:30 PM | Kolkata |
| Apr 10 | RR vs RCB | 7:30 PM | Guwahati |
| Apr 11 | PBKS vs SRH | 3:30 PM | Mullanpur |
| Apr 11 | CSK vs DC | 7:30 PM | Chennai |
| Apr 12 | LSG vs GT | 3:30 PM | Lucknow |
| Apr 12 | MI vs RCB | 7:30 PM | Mumbai |
The remaining schedule of the tournament will be released later.
IPL 2026 Opening Match
The tournament opener between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad is expected to attract huge attention. The match will take place at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its electric crowd and high-scoring games.
Tips for Fans Buying IPL Tickets
- Book tickets early as popular matches sell out quickly.
- Join team fan clubs for early ticket access.
- Keep payment details ready to avoid losing seats during checkout.
- Always buy tickets from official platforms only.
The IPL 2026 season promises another thrilling tournament, and watching matches live in the stadium is one of the best experiences for cricket fans. With ticket sales starting soon, fans should prepare early to secure their seats for the biggest T20 league in the world.
