Cricket Scores IPL Today: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Season

Cricket Scores IPL Today: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Season

So, you’re looking for cricket scores IPL today. I get it. The itch for the Indian Premier League starts earlier every year. But here’s the thing—and it might be a bit of a bummer if you’ve got your jersey ready—there are actually no IPL matches happening right this second.

We are currently in mid-January 2026. The TATA IPL 2026 season doesn't actually kick off until March 26.

If you’re seeing live scoreboards on your feed today, you’re almost certainly looking at the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. Honestly, it’s a common mix-up. Just today, January 13, the Mumbai Indians women’s team pulled off a massive chase against the Gujarat Giants. Harmanpreet Kaur was absolutely clinical, smashing an unbeaten 71 off 41 balls to seal a seven-wicket win at the DY Patil Stadium.

But for the men’s league? We’re still in the "big reveal" phase of the pre-season.

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Where the IPL Scores Stand Right Now

Since the actual tournament is still weeks away, the "scores" people are talking about are mostly coming from the auction tables and trade deals. The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi wrapped up not too long ago, and it fundamentally changed the power balance of the league.

If you want to know who’s "winning" before a ball is even bowled, look at Kolkata Knight Riders. They broke the bank. KKR spent a staggering 25.20 crore on Cameron Green. That makes him the most expensive overseas player in the history of the league. They also grabbed Matheesha Pathirana for 18 crore. Basically, they're building a bowling attack that looks like a literal nightmare for opening batters.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru Venue Drama

You’ve probably heard the rumors about RCB moving out of the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. It’s not just talk. Following that tragic stampede during the victory celebrations last year, the safety authorities have been incredibly strict.

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Today, January 13, it was essentially confirmed by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai that Raipur will host at least two of RCB’s "home" games. The team met with him today to present the official jersey.

The rest of their home matches? Likely headed to Navi Mumbai. It’s a weird vibe for a defending champion to be "homeless," but that’s the reality for Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar this year.

Key Squad Changes You Might Have Missed

While we wait for the March 26 opener, the squads are officially locked. Here’s a quick look at how some of the heavyweights are shaping up:

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  • Chennai Super Kings: They went all-in on youth. They spent 14.20 crore each on two uncapped players: Prashant Veer and Kartik Sharma. It’s a massive gamble. MS Dhoni is still there (registered as an uncapped player), but the team is clearly transitioning under Ruturaj Gaikwad.
  • Mumbai Indians: Hardik Pandya is still at the helm. They traded in Sherfane Rutherford and Shardul Thakur. They look solid on paper, as they always do, but the chemistry between the big four—Rohit, Hardik, Surya, and Bumrah—is what everyone will be watching.
  • Delhi Capitals: KL Rahul has moved here. He’s expected to lead the charge alongside Axar Patel. They also snatched up David Miller and Mitchell Starc. It’s a "win-now" roster if I’ve ever seen one.

Why the Schedule is Different This Year

The BCCI had to juggle a lot for the 2026 window. We have the Men’s T20 World Cup ending on March 8, so the IPL had to be pushed back to start on March 26 to give players a three-week breather.

Because of this, the IPL is actually clashing with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for the second year in a row. It’s creating a bit of a tug-of-war for some of the international stars who usually play in both.

How to Prepare for the March 26 Opener

Since there are no live cricket scores IPL today, the best thing you can do is get your streaming apps sorted. In 2026, the rights are still split, but the Jio-Hotstar merger has made things slightly easier for digital viewers.

  1. Check your subscription: Make sure your digital pass is active before the March rush.
  2. Track the warm-ups: Most teams will start their internal camps in early March.
  3. Follow the WPL: If you need a cricket fix right now, the WPL is actually delivering high-quality games every single night this week. Tomorrow, January 14, it's Delhi Capitals vs. UP Warriorz.

The wait for the IPL is long, but with the new-look squads and the venue shifts, the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable ones yet.

Actionable Next Steps:
Keep an eye on the official IPL website or the BCCI portal for the full 84-match schedule announcement, which is expected within the next 10 days. If you're planning to travel for matches, book your Raipur or Navi Mumbai accommodation now, as RCB fans are already scouting those dates. For tonight, switch your focus to the WPL standings to see if Mumbai Indians can maintain their unbeaten streak.