IPL 2026: Schedule, Teams and How to Watch in Pakistan
IPL 2026 — the 19th season of the Indian Premier League — ended with Royal Challengers Bengaluru defending their title in style. On 31 May 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB chased down Gujarat Titans’ 155/8 to win by five wickets, completing back-to-back championships. The tournament’s story was dominated by one man: Virat Kohli, whose unbeaten 75 in the final sealed a second successive crown.
IPL 2026 winner: RCB go back-to-back
The 2026 winner is Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans never found their rhythm and managed only 155/8, with Washington Sundar’s fighting 50 not out the lone bright spot and Rasikh Salam taking 3/27. RCB’s chase was built around Virat Kohli’s masterful 75 not out off 42 balls, supported by Venkatesh Iyer’s 32 and Tim David’s 24, and the title was wrapped up in the 18th over.
Kohli, 37, was named player of the match and became the face of RCB’s double crown — the franchise’s first two IPL titles, after 18 years of waiting ended in 2025. RCB became only the third team to win consecutive IPL finals. The IPL 2026 final score of 161/5 vs 155/8 reflected a tournament in which RCB had already beaten GT by 92 runs in Qualifier 1.
IPL 2026 teams and season highlights
Ten teams contested the season from 28 March to 31 May 2026. The season’s standout story was 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose fearless batting changed the conversation around T20 development in India. Delhi Capitals’ KL Rahul produced one of the knocks of the tournament — an unbeaten 92 off 48 balls — yet DC still fell one run short against Gujarat Titans in a thriller. Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings remain the league’s most decorated clubs with five titles each; RCB now have two.
How fans in Pakistan followed the season
The IPL is not officially broadcast in Pakistan, so Pakistani fans follow it through international streaming services, live score apps and highlight packages. Global broadcasters carry the tournament worldwide, and viewers in Pakistan commonly check official IPL streaming platforms or international sports channels available in their region. By contrast, Pakistan’s own league — the PSL — is shown on PTV Sports and Geo Super; see our PSL live streaming guide and the Champions Trophy history.
IPL 2026 key facts
- Champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (beat GT by 5 wickets)
- Season: 19th edition, 28 March – 31 May 2026
- Final venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Player of the final: Virat Kohli (75* off 42)
- RCB captain: Rajat Patidar; GT captain: Shubman Gill
- Most titles: Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings (5 each)
The road to the IPL 2026 final
The IPL 2026 playoffs set up the RCB-GT rematch that defined the season. Bengaluru crushed Gujarat by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 to book their final spot early, while Gujarat had to fight through Qualifier 2, beating Rajasthan Royals by seven wickets. Rajasthan had earlier knocked out Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator. The league stage threw up thrillers too: Delhi Capitals chased 211 against Gujarat, only for KL Rahul’s unbeaten 92 off 48 balls to end in a one-run defeat — one of the tournament’s most talked-about finishes. RCB’s dominance of the business end, built on Kohli’s consistency and a sharp pace attack, made them deserving champions.
FAQs
Who won IPL 2026?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won IPL 2026, beating Gujarat Titans by five wickets in the final on 31 May 2026 — their second title in a row.
What was the final score?
Gujarat Titans made 155/8; RCB chased it down with 161/5 in 18 overs. Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 75 was the decisive innings.
Who was player of the final?
Virat Kohli, for his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls that guided RCB’s successful chase.
How many IPL titles has RCB won?
Two — 2025 and 2026. Before that, RCB had lost three IPL finals without a title.
Is the IPL broadcast in Pakistan?
There is no official Pakistan broadcaster. Fans follow the league via international streaming platforms, live score apps and highlights.
Read more: 2026 IPL final details and the IPL winners list 2008–2026.
Complete Guide: IPL 2026
IPL 2026 promises another blockbuster season of the world’s richest T20 league. The ipl 2026 schedule date window typically runs March to May, with 70+ matches across Indian venues.
When does IPL 2026 start?
The ipl 2026 schedule date announcement confirms the opener and final. The league avoids clashes with India’s international calendar, keeping the full window clear.
Which players feature for each team?
Ipl teams 2026 players list updates come from the retention deadline and mega auction. Squad composition — the mix of Indian core and overseas stars — decides pre-season favourites.
When is the IPL 2026 auction?
The ipl 2026 auction date is a spectacle in itself, with franchises bidding crores for top talent. Pakistani players remain absent due to policy, a long-running talking point.
How can fans in Pakistan watch?
Ipl live streaming pakistan runs through licensed broadcasters carrying the official feed. Matches start at 7:30 PM IST, translating to 7:00 PM PKT — convenient prime-time viewing.
What are the storylines?
IPL 2026 narratives include title defences, captaincy changes and emerging Indian talent pushing for national selection. The league remains T20’s ultimate shop window.
Pakistani players’ absence
IPL 2026 again features no Pakistani players due to policy — a long-running debate among fans. Pakistani stars instead headline the PSL during the IPL 2026 window.
Records to watch
IPL 2026 could see new benchmarks for team totals and individual scores as batting evolves. The ipl 2026 schedule date congestion tests squad depth like never before.
Young Indian talent
IPL 2026 remains the launchpad for India’s next internationals. Scouts watch uncapped IPL 2026 performers more closely than domestic cricket.
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