Got questions about IPL 2026? We have answered 20 of the most frequently asked questions about this season’s Indian Premier League — covering schedule, teams, streaming, rules, and everything in between.
IPL 2026 FAQ — Your Questions Answered
1. When does IPL 2026 start?
IPL 2026 began on 28 March 2026 with the opening match in Bengaluru, hosted by defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
2. When is the IPL 2026 Final?
The IPL 2026 Final is scheduled for 31 May 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) confirmed Bengaluru will host the IPL 2026 final, along with a playoff match.
3. How many matches are there in IPL 2026?
IPL 2026 features 84 matches — an expansion from the 74 matches played in 2025. This is the first season under the new expanded format.
4. Who are the defending champions in IPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the defending IPL champions, having won their first-ever title in 2025 under captain Rajat Patidar.
5. How many teams are in IPL 2026?
IPL 2026 features 10 teams — the same 10 franchises as recent seasons: CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, GT, DC, PBKS, RR, and LSG.
6. What is the IPL 2026 format?
The 10 teams are split into two groups of five. Each team plays 14 league stage matches. The top 4 teams from the combined standings progress to the playoffs — Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final.
7. Who is the most expensive player in IPL 2026?
The most expensive player in the IPL 2026 squads overall is Rishabh Pant (LSG) at ₹27 crore — retained from the 2025 mega auction and the costliest player in IPL history. At the IPL 2026 mini-auction held in December 2025, the most expensive buy was Cameron Green (KKR) at ₹25.20 crore — the highest price ever paid for an overseas player at an IPL auction.
8. Where can I watch IPL 2026 live?
On TV — Star Sports Network. Online — JioHotstar (free streaming available for Indian viewers).
9. Who is the captain of RCB in IPL 2026?
Rajat Patidar is the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026.
10. Did Ravindra Jadeja leave CSK?
Yes. In a blockbuster trade deal ahead of IPL 2026, Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran moved to Rajasthan Royals, while Sanju Samson moved to Chennai Super Kings from RR.
11. Who is RR’s captain in IPL 2026?
Riyan Parag is the captain of Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.
12. Where is the IPL 2026 Final being held?
The IPL 2026 Final will be played at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. As defending champions, RCB have their home ground hosting both the opening match and the grand final on 31 May 2026.
13. Is MS Dhoni still playing in IPL 2026?
Yes, MS Dhoni is part of the Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2026. While not captain, Dhoni continues to contribute as wicketkeeper-batter and mentor to Ruturaj Gaikwad.
14. What is the Impact Player rule in IPL 2026?
The Impact Player rule continues in IPL 2026 for the fourth consecutive season. It allows teams to make one tactical substitution during a match — replacing a player from the substitutes list with a fresh player who can bat or bowl as required.
15. What is the new Second Ball rule in IPL 2026?
A new rule introduced in IPL 2026 allows umpires to replace the match ball after the 11th over of the second innings in night matches to reduce the impact of dew — giving the bowling team a fairer chance to defend totals.
16. How do I buy IPL 2026 tickets?
Official IPL 2026 tickets are available through BookMyShow (bookmyshow.com) and the official BCCI website (iplt20.com).
17. How many overseas players can play in IPL 2026?
Each team can include up to 8 overseas players in their squad but only 4 overseas players can play in the same match at any one time.
18. Who won IPL 2025?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won IPL 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in the final to win their first-ever IPL title.
19. What is the IPL 2026 auction purse?
Each franchise had a budget of ₹125 crore for the IPL 2026 mini-auction held on 16 December 2025 at the Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi. A total of ₹215.45 crore was spent across all 10 teams on 77 players.
20. Who are the favourites to win IPL 2026?
Based on squad strength and balance, the top title favorites heading into IPL 2026 are Gujarat Titans, RCB, CSK, KKR and SRH — but in T20 cricket, any team can win any match on any given day.