If you’re asking what time do the indians play today, you’re probably looking for one of two things: the world-class Indian National Cricket Team or the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians. It's a common point of confusion.
Honestly, the "Indians" moniker belongs to Cleveland’s history books now, but old habits die hard, and the search traffic proves it. Whether you are hunting for a T20 start time or a first pitch at Progressive Field, I've got the specific timings and dates you need for this January window.
Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. Let's get into the schedules.
What Time Do the Indians Play Today? The Cricket Schedule
For the Indian National Cricket Team, today marks the official kickoff of the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) 2026. While this isn't the senior international squad, it is a massive deal in India, featuring film stars from eight different regional industries.
If you are looking for the professional men's team, they are currently in the middle of a home series against New Zealand.
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- Celebrity Cricket League: Punjab De Sher vs. Karnataka Bulldozers.
- Start Time: 2:00 PM IST (8:30 AM GMT).
- Venue: Visakhapatnam.
Wait, looking for the "real" Team India? You've got a little wait. The 2nd ODI against New Zealand just wrapped up on January 14 in Rajkot. The 3rd ODI is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Indore. That match is slated for a 1:30 PM IST start.
If you're an early bird in the US or a night owl in the UK, you’ll be catching that one in the middle of the night.
The Cleveland Guardians 2026 Winter Status
Now, if you used the phrase "Indians" to refer to the MLB team in Cleveland, here is the reality check: they aren't playing today.
Baseball is a summer sport. In January, the only thing happening at Progressive Field is likely snow removal. The MLB 2026 season doesn't actually kick off until late March.
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Key Dates for Cleveland Fans
- Opening Day: March 26, 2026.
- Opponent: Seattle Mariners (Away).
- First Pitch: 10:10 PM ET.
It’s a late one for the Cleveland faithful because they start on the West Coast. If you’re itching for Cleveland sports right now, you should be looking at the Cavaliers. They actually play the Philadelphia 76ers tonight at 7:00 PM ET.
Why the Timing Matters for Cricket Fans
Cricket timings are notorious for being a bit of a headache. When India plays at home, the matches are geared toward the local prime-time audience. For the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand starting on January 21, the matches are mostly scheduled for 7:00 PM IST.
For fans in the United States, that means a 7:30 AM or 8:30 AM start depending on your time zone. It’s perfect "breakfast cricket."
Upcoming India vs. New Zealand T20I Schedule
- January 21: 1st T20I in Nagpur (7:00 PM IST)
- January 23: 2nd T20I in Raipur (7:00 PM IST)
- January 25: 3rd T20I in Guwahati (7:00 PM IST)
These are crucial matches. The team is basically using this series as a final tune-up before the T20 World Cup 2026, which India is co-hosting with Sri Lanka starting in February.
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Misconceptions About Match Start Times
A lot of people get tripped up by "toss time" versus "match start time." In cricket, the toss happens exactly 30 minutes before the first ball. If the schedule says 1:30 PM, the captains are out there flipping the coin at 1:00 PM.
Also, weather is a massive factor. This time of year in North India can be foggy. It isn't uncommon for start times in places like Delhi or Punjab to be pushed back by 30 to 60 minutes to allow the morning mist to clear for better visibility.
Where to Watch the Action
If you are trying to catch the games today or later this week, here is the breakdown of broadcasters:
- In India: Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports are the main homes for the New Zealand series. The CCL is typically broadcast on Zee channels and various regional outlets.
- In the USA: Willow TV remains the king of cricket broadcasting. You can also find most major series on ESPN+.
- In the UK: Sky Sports Cricket is your best bet for the international matches.
Basically, if you're asking what time do the indians play today because you want to see some live action, your best bet is the CCL opening match in Visakhapatnam. It’s high energy, even if the "cricketing" quality is more about entertainment than elite athletics.
Actionable Steps for Sports Fans
Don't miss the next big game. Here is what you should do right now to stay updated:
- Sync your calendar: Add the January 18 India vs. New Zealand ODI to your phone calendar now so you don't forget the 1:30 PM IST start.
- Check the Weather: If you're betting or just watching, check the Indore weather report on Saturday night. Fog could cause a delay.
- MLB Fans: If you're waiting for Cleveland, set an alert for February 15. That’s generally when "Pitchers and Catchers" report for Spring Training, which is the first real sign of life for the baseball season.
- Download the Apps: Make sure your Willow or Hotstar subscription is active today. There is nothing worse than trying to log in five minutes after the first ball is bowled and finding out your password expired.
The sporting calendar for 2026 is already looking packed. Between the T20 World Cup coming up in February and the MLB season on the horizon, "Indians" fans—of both varieties—have plenty to look forward to.