Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 | 30 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

The 2026 IPL marks the 19th season of the tournament and is being held from 28 March to 31 May 2026 across multiple venues in India. 

Key Points 

• The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a professional Twenty20 (T20) franchise cricket league organised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). 
• Teams: The league features 10 teams, including franchises such as Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans.  
• Opening Match: The season began with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 
• Defending Champion: Royal Challengers Bengaluru entered the 2026 season as the defending champions after winning their first IPL title in 2025. 
• IPL HISTORY: 
  • Founded: 2008 
  • Organiser: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)  
  • Number of Teams: 10 teams 
  • Format: Twenty20 (T20) franchise cricket league 
  • Most Successful Team: Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) — 5 titles each 
  • First IPL Winner (2008): Rajasthan Royals 
  • Orange Cap: Highest run-scorer of the season 
  • Purple Cap: Highest wicket-taker of the season