Teams have been split into two groups based on the number of titles they have won, as has been the case previously. Group A comprises: Chennai Super Kings (5), Kolkata Knight Riders (3), Rajasthan Royals (1), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (1) and Punjab Kings while Group B comprises: Mumbai Indians (5), Sunrisers Hyderabad (1), Gujarat Titans (1), Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants.
In the past three years, teams in the same group played each other twice and once against teams in the opposite group. This year the IPL has reversed that structure with teams in the same group playing each other once and twice against teams in the opposite group. This allows CSK and MI to play each other twice in 2026 – April 23 in Mumbai and May 2 in Chennai.
Twenty matches were scheduled to take place between March 28, when the season begins with defending champions RCB taking on SRH, and April 12, a double header Sunday.
Fifty matches have been scheduled to take place from April 13 to May 24 across 12 venues in India, including Raipur which RCB have chosen as a second home base. They will face MI (May 10) and KKR (May 13) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh stadium.
Dharamsala also returns to the calendar. Last year, the DC vs PBKS game was halted after cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. This year, on May 11, the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association ground will introduce itself with that very same contest.
There were three double-headers in the initial schedule. Eight more have been added now. The dates and venues for the playoffs are not yet out. ESPNcricinfo understands the final will be taking place on May 31.
