The wait is finally over for cricket enthusiasts as the BCCI has unveiled the official schedule for the first phase of IPL 2026. Set to kick off on March 22, the tournament promises high-octane action with the defending champions taking the field in the opening encounter. Due to the upcoming general elections, the board has released the schedule for the first 21 matches across various venues in India, ensuring that fans don’t miss out on the early excitement.

With the buzz around the tournament reaching fever pitch, ticket sales are expected to go live within the next 48 hours. Official ticketing partners like BookMyShow and Paytm Insider will handle the majority of the bookings. Fans can also visit the official websites of franchises like KKR, MI, or RCB for exclusive pre-sales. To book your seat, simply log in to the partner app, select the match date, choose your preferred stand, and complete the transaction. Prices are slated to start from an affordable ₹500 for general stands. Experts suggest setting up “Price Alerts” on these apps to get notified the moment tickets are released, as high-demand matches often sell out within minutes.