The IPL 2026 (Indian Premier League 2026) is the biggest cricket event of the year. This is the 19th season of the world’s best T20 league. It brings huge excitement and drama to fans all over the world. The tournament is confirmed to start on March 26, 2026. This follows a very exciting mini-auction in December 2025. That auction changed the players and plans for many teams.
For cricket lovers in India, Bangladesh, and other countries, IPL 2026 is like a festival. However, this season has generated massive headlines due to record-breaking auction bids and intense diplomatic discussions. The biggest news for Bangladeshi fans is regarding pacer Mustafizur Rahman and the uncertainty of IPL broadcasting in the country.
Are you looking for the IPL Live Score 2026? Or do you need the updated IPL Schedule 2026? Maybe you want to see the latest IPL Point Table? This article is your full guide. We will cover everything you need to know. We will look at team squads, TV channel lists, and the latest news updates.
About IPL
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a pro T20 cricket league in India. It is played every year by franchise teams. These teams represent different Indian cities. The BCCI started the league in 2007. Today, the IPL is the most-watched cricket league in the world.
The IPL usually happens between March and May every year. It mixes entertainment with high-quality sports. People call it “Cricketainment.” It is a great stage for young local talent to play with international legends.
The format is simple. Ten teams play matches in a round-robin or group format. After the league stage, there are playoffs. The top four teams in the IPL Point Table go to the playoffs. These include Qualifier 1, the Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Grand Final. The winner becomes the IPL Champion.
Teams like Mumbai Indians (MI), Chennai Super Kings (CSK), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are dominant forces. In 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally made history by winning their first-ever IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings in the final.
IPL 2026
The IPL 2026 season is set to be historic. A mini-auction happened on December 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi. Because of this, the teams look very different now.
Latest News and Updates
- Confirmed Start Date: The BCCI has officially announced that IPL 2026 starts on March 26, 2026. The tournament will run for two months. The Grand Final is scheduled for May 31, 2026.
- The Mustafizur Rahman Issue: This is the biggest talking point. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bought Mustafizur Rahman for ₹9.20 Crore in the auction. However, in January 2026, KKR officially released him following a directive from the BCCI. This decision stems from the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the countries. Bangladeshi fans are disappointed, and KKR is now looking for a replacement.
- Auction Records: The December 2025 auction was huge. Cameron Green became the most expensive buy, going to KKR for a massive ₹25.20 Crore. Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana also joined KKR for ₹18 Crore.
- Captaincy & Trade Shocks:
- Rishabh Pant is the new captain of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
- Shreyas Iyer leads the 2025 runners-up, Punjab Kings (PBKS).
- Sanju Samson has moved to CSK in a massive trade.
- Ravindra Jadeja has moved to Rajasthan Royals (RR) and is expected to lead the side.
- Venue Issues: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions. They should host the first match. However, there are safety clearance issues at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The BCCI might move the opener if the stadium does not get permission.
Today IPL Match
(Note: Today is January 5, 2026. The tournament has not started yet. We will update this section daily after the matches begin on March 26, 2026.)
There are no IPL matches today. The tournament will start on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Upcoming First Match (Tentative):
| Match No. | Date | Teams | Venue | Time (IST/BST) |
| 01 | 26 March 2026 | RCB vs PBKS (TBC) | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (TBC) | 7:30 PM / 8:00 PM |
The opener is likely a rematch of the 2025 Final. We will update this table regularly.
IPL Live Score Update
You need to stay updated with the IPL Live Score 2026. This is important if you cannot watch TV. In 2026, checking scores is very easy.
You can check the IPL Live Score here:
- Official IPL Website: The fastest source for ball-by-ball commentary.
- Google Search: Just search “IPL Live Score” or “IPL 2026”. Google shows a live scorecard.
- Cricket Apps: Download apps like Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, or FanCode.
Live Score Summary (Sample Format):
| Team | Score | Overs | Status |
| Team A | —/– | –.– | Match starts at 07:30 PM IST |
| Team B | —/– | –.– | Waiting for Toss |
(This part will change automatically during live matches.)
IPL 2026 Live
Watching IPL 2026 Live is a priority for millions. However, for fans in Bangladesh, the situation is complicated this year.
Where to Watch in India
- Television: Star Sports Network has the TV rights. You can watch live on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, and regional channels.
- Digital (OTT): JioHotstar/JioCinema has the digital rights. You can stream matches for free in 4K quality.
Where to Watch in Bangladesh
- Status: Uncertain. Due to the exclusion of Mustafizur Rahman, the Law Adviser to the interim government has proposed suspending the broadcast of IPL 2026 in Bangladesh.
- If Allowed: Traditionally, T Sports and GTV (Gazi TV) show the matches. You should check local news closer to March 26 to see if the ban is enforced.
Global Partners
- USA/Canada: Willow TV
- UK: Sky Sports Cricket
- Australia: Fox Sports / Kayo
- Middle East: BeIN Sports
IPL Schedule 2026
The full IPL Schedule 2026 features 74 matches.
Key Dates:
- Opening Match: March 26, 2026
- League Stage Ends: Mid-May 2026
- Playoffs Start: Last week of May 2026
- Final: May 31, 2026
Tentative IPL Fixture 2026:
| Date | Match | Time (IST) | Venue |
| Mar 26, Thu | Match 1: RCB vs PBKS | 07:30 PM | Bengaluru (Tentative) |
| Mar 27, Fri | Match 2: CSK vs MI | 07:30 PM | Chennai |
| Mar 28, Sat | Match 3: LSG vs GT | 07:30 PM | Lucknow |
| Mar 29, Sun | Match 4: KKR vs RR | 03:30 PM | Kolkata |
| Mar 29, Sun | Match 5: DC vs SRH | 07:30 PM | Delhi |
| … | … | … | … |
| May 31, Sun | Grand Final | 07:30 PM | TBC |
(We will add the official PDF download link here when BCCI releases it.)
IPL 2026 Team
The IPL 2026 has 10 strong teams. Here is the latest squad analysis after the December auction and trades.
1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Key Update: In a massive trade, Sanju Samson has joined CSK. MS Dhoni continues as a mentor/player.
- Highlight: A batting powerhouse with Gaikwad and Samson.
2. Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Captain: Axar Patel
- Key Update: After releasing Rishabh Pant, they are building a new core.
- Highlight: Strong Indian all-rounders.
3. Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Captain: Shubman Gill
- Key Update: They have retained Rashid Khan and kept their core strong.
- Highlight: Solid top-order batting.
4. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Captain: Ajinkya Rahane (Likely)
- Key Update: Bought Cameron Green (₹25.20 Cr) and Matheesha Pathirana (₹18 Cr). Mustafizur Rahman was released.
- Highlight: Most expensive overseas unit.
5. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
- Captain: Rishabh Pant
- Key Update: Rishabh Pant is the new leader. This completely changes their team dynamic.
- Highlight: Aggressive leadership.
6. Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Captain: Hardik Pandya
- Key Update: Hardik Pandya leads again. They have strengthened their spin attack. Jasprit Bumrah is fit and ready.
- Highlight: The return of the aggressive MI brand.
7. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Captain: Shreyas Iyer
- Key Update: Shreyas Iyer leads the 2025 Runners-up. They are looking to go one step further this year.
- Highlight: A settled and confident squad.
8. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Captain: Ravindra Jadeja (Expected)
- Key Update: Ravindra Jadeja joined RR in a swap for Sanju Samson. He brings immense experience.
- Highlight: World-class spin attack with Jadeja and Ashwin.
9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Captain: Rajat Patidar
- Key Update: The Defending Champions! Rajat Patidar led them to glory in 2025.
- Highlight: High confidence after winning their first title.
10. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Captain: Pat Cummins
- Key Update: Pat Cummins continues to lead. They retained Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen.
- Highlight: Perhaps the most dangerous batting lineup in history.
IPL Point Table 2026
The IPL Point Table decides who goes to the playoffs.
Live Standings (Pre-Season):
| Pos | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
| 1 | CSK | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 2 | DC | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 3 | GT | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 4 | KKR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 5 | LSG | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 6 | MI | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 7 | PBKS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 8 | RR | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 9 | RCB | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
| 10 | SRH | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.000 |
(We will update this table after every match.)
FAQ
IPL 2026 is confirmed to start on March 26, 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending champions, having won the 2025 title.
No. KKR released Mustafizur Rahman in January 2026 due to BCCI directives and the political situation.
Cameron Green was bought by KKR for ₹25.20 Crore.
Ruturaj Gaikwad is the captain, with new recruit Sanju Samson playing a key role.
Conclusion
The IPL 2026 will be a historic season. With RCB entering as champions for the first time, and massive trades like Jadeja to RR and Samson to CSK, the excitement is higher than ever.
For Bangladeshi fans, the absence of Mustafizur Rahman and the potential broadcast ban is sad news. However, the global appeal of the “Indian Premier League” remains strong.
Make sure to bookmark this page. We will give you the latest IPL Live Score 2026, the updated IPL Schedule, and the IPL Point Table.