Honestly, if you're frantically refreshing your browser for an IPL live score today, I have some news that might sting a bit. You won't find a scorecard for Virat Kohli or Rishabh Pant right now. Why? Because the 2026 IPL season doesn't actually kick off until March 26, 2026.
I know, it's a bit of a bummer. We’re currently in the middle of January, and while the "IPL fever" never really sleeps, the actual on-field action is still a few months away. But don't close the tab just yet. While the men's league is in "hibernation," there is a massive amount of high-stakes cricket happening right now that most casual fans are completely missing.
What is Actually Happening Today?
If you saw a headline about a "live score" and got excited, you were likely seeing updates for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026. That tournament is very much live and, frankly, it's been a chaotic start.
Just today, January 15, 2026, we saw the UP Warriorz pull off a massive win against the Mumbai Indians. They chased down a target of 162 with seven wickets to spare. Harleen Deol was the hero of the match. If you’re a Mumbai Indians fan, this one hurt—Harmanpreet Kaur put up a fight, but it wasn't enough to stop the Warriorz from ending their winless streak.
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Beyond the WPL, the Indian men's national team is currently busy with a white-ball home series against New Zealand. We’re talking five T20Is and three ODIs throughout January. So, if you're looking for an "India live score," that’s where the real-time action is.
The IPL 2026 Season: What We Know So Far
The BCCI has already laid out the roadmap for the 19th edition of the IPL. It’s going to be the longest season yet. Here are the hard facts:
- Start Date: March 26, 2026.
- Final Match: May 31, 2026.
- Total Matches: The league is expanding to 84 matches this year.
- Defending Champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Yes, they finally did it last year, and they’ll be opening the 2026 season.
There’s a bit of a weird situation with RCB's home ground, though. After a tragic stampede incident at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium last June, there is a lot of talk that RCB might have to move their home games elsewhere for at least part of the season. The Karnataka State Cricket Association is still locked in talks with the government, but for now, the "Chinnaswamy Fortress" is in doubt.
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The Big Trades and Auction Drama
The mini-auction held in Abu Dhabi this past December was nothing short of a circus. If you haven't kept up with the squad changes, your favorite team probably looks a lot different than it did last summer.
The Sanju Samson Shocker
The biggest talking point in the cricket world right now is Sanju Samson's trade to Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Seeing him move from Rajasthan Royals—a team he basically personified—to the Yellow Army has fans divided. Hanuma Vihari recently hinted that the trade wasn't just about tactical fit; there were some behind-the-scenes dynamics at play that haven't fully come to light yet.
Kolkata’s Expensive Bets
KKR went absolutely all-in during the auction. They picked up Cameron Green for a staggering ₹25.20 crore, making him one of the most expensive players in history. They also snagged Matheesha Pathirana for ₹18 crore. However, it's not all sunshine in Kolkata. There’s a massive controversy brewing over the release of Mustafizur Rahman. The BCCI reportedly issued a mandate that led to his contract being cancelled, and he’s now moved over to the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
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Why the "Today" Search is So Confusing
Google is currently flooded with "IPL live score today" queries because of the Women's Premier League and the Under-19 World Cup (which is also happening right now).
Many fans treat "IPL" as a generic term for "T20 cricket in India." But the 10 franchises—MI, CSK, RCB, KKR, and the rest—are currently in training camp mode. For example, the Gujarat Titans (GT) just started a crucial prep camp in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Ashish Nehra is already out there with the players who aren't currently on national duty, trying to figure out their best XI for March.
How to Prepare for the Actual Season
Since the matches don't start for another 70 days or so, here is how you can actually stay ahead of the game:
- Follow the WPL: If you want that franchise-league vibe, the WPL is the real deal. The quality of cricket is incredibly high, and the scores are updated live every evening.
- Watch the NZ Series: The India vs. New Zealand series is the final "audition" for many players hoping to secure their spots in the IPL starting XI.
- Track the Uncapped Stars: Keep an eye on guys like Auqib Dar and Prashant Veer. These "uncapped" players went for massive money in the December auction (Auqib Dar for ₹8.4 crore and Prashant Veer for a record-breaking ₹14.20 crore). They are currently tearing it up in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Stop searching for a live score that doesn't exist yet and do this instead:
- Download the Official IPL App: This is where the BCCI will first drop the official 84-match schedule (the one out now is still "tentative").
- Check the WPL Points Table: If you want to see who is dominating the current live action, look at how Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians are faring in the women's league.
- Update Your Fantasy Apps: If you play fantasy cricket, now is the time to start researching the new squad compositions. With the 84-match format, squad depth is going to be more important than ever before.
The wait is long, but the 2026 season looks like it's going to be the most grueling and competitive one we've ever seen. Mark March 26 on your calendar.