So, you're looking for the big game. You've got the snacks ready, the jersey is on, and you’re scrolling through your phone trying to find the ipl cricket fixtures today.
Here is the honest truth: if you are looking for the Men's IPL matches right now, on January 17, 2026, you are about two months early. The 19th edition of the TATA IPL doesn't actually kick off until March 26, 2026. I know, it’s a bit of a bummer when you’re craving that high-octane atmosphere, but the calendar has its reasons.
However, don't close your browser just yet. While the men are still in their pre-season camps, the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 is currently in full swing, and it is delivering some absolute thrillers. If you’re a cricket nut, today is actually a massive day for the WPL.
The Actual Cricket Schedule for Today (January 17, 2026)
If you wanted "IPL" style action today, the WPL is where it's at. We have a double-header Saturday happening at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
- Afternoon Clash (3:00 PM IST): UP Warriorz vs. Mumbai Indians.
- Evening Blockbuster (7:30 PM IST): Delhi Capitals vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The evening match is basically a replay of last year's finals energy. We've got Nandni Sharma from the Delhi Capitals currently leading the Purple Cap race with eight wickets in just three games. She's been a nightmare for batters lately. On the other side, RCB is looking sharp, especially with Shreyanka Patil breathing down Nandni's neck in the bowling charts.
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Honestly, the Navi Mumbai leg of the WPL is wrapping up today. After these two matches, the whole tournament shifts over to Vadodara starting Monday. So, this is the last chance for the Mumbai crowd to see their stars at the DY Patil for a while.
Why Everyone Is Talking About RCB and Chinnaswamy Today
There is a reason the search for ipl cricket fixtures today is spiking right now, and it isn't just because people are confused about the date. Something huge just happened in Bengaluru.
Just today, January 17, 2026, the Karnataka government finally gave the official green light for the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to host IPL matches again. For those who don't remember, things got really dark last June. After RCB won their maiden title in 2025, the victory parade at the stadium turned into a tragic stampede. Eleven fans lost their lives.
Because of that, the stadium was under a complete lockdown for cricket activities. There was a very real chance the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, would have to play their 2026 home games in a neutral venue like Dubai or even Mumbai.
But today's news changed everything. The KSCA (Karnataka State Cricket Association) received the security clearance after proving they've overhauled their entry and exit gates. Basically, the "Home of the Champions" is back.
What the 2026 Men's IPL Season Looks Like
Since you're likely planning your summer around the fixtures, here is the breakdown of what we know about the upcoming season.
- Start Date: March 26, 2026.
- Final Match: May 31, 2026.
- Expansion: The BCCI has officially bumped the tournament up to 84 matches.
- Format: We are moving back toward a full double round-robin, though with 10 teams, they are still tweaking the exact group splits to keep the window from stretching into June.
The tentative opener is expected to be RCB vs. Punjab Kings at the Chinnaswamy. It makes sense—give the defending champs the first game at home. Rajat Patidar is set to lead RCB this year, while the Punjab Kings have Ricky Ponting at the helm as coach, trying to finally get them over that runner-up hurdle they hit last season.
Dealing With the "Mustafizur Situation"
There's a bit of drama behind the scenes that might affect the fixtures and squad lists you see online. You've probably seen the headlines about the BCCI asking Kolkata Knight Riders to release Mustafizur Rahman.
This isn't about form. Following some serious political tensions between India and Bangladesh in late 2025, the BCCI has put the Bangladesh tour on hold and is currently distancing the league from Bangladeshi players. It sucks for the fans who love "The Fizz," but KKR is already looking for a replacement. Word on the street is they might go for an Associate nation pacer or a young Australian talent to fill that ₹9.2 crore hole.
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How to Track Live Fixtures Without the Noise
Look, Google is full of "tentative" schedules and fake PDF downloads for the ipl cricket fixtures today. Most of those sites are just recycled calendars from 2024 or 2025.
If you want the real deal:
- The Official App: The IPLT20 app usually updates the official, finalized schedule in early February.
- WPL Coverage: If you're watching today’s games, JioStar's Star Sports and the JioHotstar app are the only places with the official stream.
- Tickets: For the March games, don't buy yet. With the new security protocols at Chinnaswamy and other venues, ticketing is going to be strictly digital and linked to ID this year.
The 2026 season is going to be a long one. 84 matches is a grind. We’re talking about more double-headers than we’ve seen in a decade. If you're a fantasy cricket player, this means you've got to be way more careful with player rotation. Fatigue is going to be the biggest opponent for teams like CSK and MI, who have slightly older core squads.
Actionable Steps for Cricket Fans Right Now
Instead of waiting for March, here is how you can stay ahead of the curve today.
Check the WPL points table before the evening match. RCB and DC are neck-and-neck at the top. If DC wins tonight, they almost certainly lock in a direct ticket to the final. If RCB wins, the race for the top spot stays wide open as they head to Vadodara.
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Also, keep an eye on the IPL auction replacement list. With the Mustafizur exit and a few injuries reported in the Big Bash League, several franchises are going to be signing "injury covers" over the next two weeks.
The wait for the Men's IPL might feel long, but with the WPL double-header today and the Chinnaswamy stadium finally reopening, the 2026 season has effectively begun in spirit. Just make sure you're looking at the right calendar before you head to the stadium.