How many matches will be played in IPL 2026?

The highly awaited 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to bring festivities across India as it returns with bigger stages.

A total of 84 matches have been scheduled rather than 74, making it the biggest edition since its inception. Despite the dates for the tournament being announced, the IPL 2026 schedule is yet to be unveiled due to elections in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam and West Bengal.

However, it is reported that RCB will be featuring in the IPL 2026 first match, starting on March 28 at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

The Playoffs for the IPL are scheduled to begin from May 26, 2026, with Bengaluru confirmed to host qualifier 01 and the final on May 31, 2026.

Other playoff matches, including the Eliminator and Qualifier 02, are likely to be held in Ahmedabad and Raipur, despite the official decision being awaited.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the dates for the event in two phases, keeping in mind the Assembly elections in West Bengal and Assam.

The schedule for the first 15 days will be announced, with the remaining to be released after polling dates are finalised.

How many matches will be played in IPL 2026?

The total number of matches in IPL 2026 will be 84 games, including group and knockout stages. The 10 teams of the IPL will compete in a double round-robin format in which they play each other twice, once away and once at home.

In the league stage, each team plays 16 matches instead of facing every opponent twice, which would normally produce 90 matches.

With 10 teams playing 16 games each, there are 160 total team appearances, and since each match involves two teams, this results in 80 league-stage matches.

For this to happen, a team will have to play 8 teams twice and no match with the 9th team or play 7 teams twice and 2 teams once.

However, the first option is not possible, which leaves only the second option.

After the league phase, the top four teams advance to the playoffs—Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final—adding 4 more games. Together, the 80 league matches plus 4 playoff matches bring the tournament total to 84 matches.

The finals is set to be played on May 31, 2026 at M. Chinnaswamy StadiumBengaluru.