How to watch IPL 2026: live streams, fixture list for Indian Premier League playoffs
A fascinating showdown between Rashid Khan and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi awaits in Qualifier 2
- Watch IPL 2026 on free on Cricbuzz (iOS / Android)
- Unlock your stream with NordVPN (save up to 75%)
- IPL 19: Sat, Mar 28 – Sun, May 31 (playoffs schedule below)
The Gujarat Titans face the Rajasthan Royals in IPL Qualifier 2 today, with the winning team set to face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on Sunday. RCB beat GT, who finished second in the standings, by 92 runs on Tuesday, before RR downed Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs on Wednesday.
The teams' contrasting approaches make for a fascinating tie. Gujarat openers Sai Sudarshan and Shubman Gill have found success through patient, sensible play, leaving the explosive work to Kagiso Rabada. And then there's Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The 15-year-old phenomenon broke Chris Gayle's all-time record for the most sixes in a single IPL season in midweek, taking his tally up to 64 with 97 off 29 – falling three runs shy of the fastest century in IPL history.
However, in Rashid Khan he's set to come up against someone a little bit different. The Afghan star has been the most prolific spinner in the IPL this season, and he had Sooryavanshi's number when the teams met in April.
In Jofra Archer, the Royals have one of this season's standout death bowlers.
Qualifier 2 is being played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International, where the Royals have gone a perfect four-for-four. It's where they got the better of SRH, whereas the Titans have had to travel down from Dharamshala.
Read on as we explain how to watch IPL 2026 live stream online, on TV and potentially for free wherever you are. Scroll down for the playoff schedule.
Can I watch IPL 2026 for free?
Yes. IPL games are free on Cricbuzz (iOS / Android) in select MENA countries such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
Kayo Sports in Australia also comes with a 7-day free trial, after which a subscription starts at AU$30/month.
Traveling abroad right now? You can use a VPN to access your preferred coverage from anywhere.
How to watch any IPL stream using a VPN
A VPN is handy piece of software that can make your device appear as if it's back in your home country, so you can unlock your usual service. The best VPN right now? We recommend NordVPN – it does everything and comes with up to 75% off.
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Get NordVPN and live stream IPL 2026 from anywhere.
How to watch IPL 2026 live streams in the US
In the US, dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV is the place to watch the IPL in its entirety.
If you don't have it as part of your cable package, you can watch Willow's coverage through your choice of Sling TV's Desi Binge Plus or Dakshin Flex plans – starting from $10 per month.
Not in the US right now? Use NordVPN to watch your regular cricket stream.
Cricket fans in the US need look no further than Sling TV for IPL 2026 coverage. The Desi Binge Plus, Dakshin Flex and Urdu plans all include Willow. Prices start from only $10 per month or $50 for six months.
How to watch IPL 2026 live streams in the UK
Every IPL 2026 game is being shown on Sky Sports in the UK, via the Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket channels.
Sky Sports plans start from £35/month or £20 if you're an existing Sky subscriber. Alternatively, grab a Now Sports subscription from £14.99/day or £34.99/month.
Outside the UK right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred coverage of the cricket.
How to watch IPL 2026 live streams in India
In India, the IPL is being shown on the Star Sports Network, with live streaming available via JioHotstar.
JioHotstar prices start at Rs. 299 ($3.49) per month, rising to Rs. 899 ($10.50 USD) per year.
If you're currently out of India but want to watch an IPL 2026 live stream, you'll need to get yourself a VPN, as per the instructions above.
Where to watch IPL 2026 live streams in Australia
In Australia, every IPL 2026 game is being shown on Fox Cricket via Foxtel, with live streaming available via Kayo Sports.
Kayo Sports starts at AU$30 per month after a 7-day free trial. Or you can get your first month for AU$1.
Outside Australia right now? Use NordVPN to access your preferred IPL coverage.
How to watch IPL 2026 live streams in Rest of World
- Ireland
Just like in the UK, cricket fans in Ireland can watch IPL 2026 on Sky Sports.
- New Zealand
Kiwis can watch IPL 2026 on Sky Sport and live stream it online via the Sky Sport Now streaming service.
- South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa
SuperSport has the rights to show IPL 2026 in most parts of the African continent.
- Sri Lanka
Supreme TV is showing IPL 2026 in Sri Lanka.
- Rest of the World
YuppTV has secured IPL 2026 rights in more than 70 countries around the world. Its territories include: Europe, Japan, China and Southeast Asia.
IPL 2026 FAQs
What is the IPL 2026 schedule?
(All times BST)
IPL 2026 PLAYOFFS
Tuesday, May 26
Qualifier 1 – Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Gujarat Titans by 92 runs
Wednesday, May 27
Eliminator – Rajasthan Royals beat Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs
Friday, May 29
3pm – Gujarat Titans vs Rajasthan Royals | Qualifier 2
Sunday, May 31
3pm – IPL 2026 final
Can I follow IPL 2026 on my mobile?
Of course! Each of the major broadcasters has a streaming service that you can access through a mobile app or via your phone's browser.
You can also stay up-to-date with all of the key IPL 19 moments on the Indian Premier League's official social media channels: @iplt20 on Instagram, @IPL on X and the IPL Facebook page.
When is the IPL 2026 final?
The 2026 IPL final is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 31. The playoffs run from May 26-29.
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Aatif is a freelance copywriter and journalist based in the UK. He’s written about technology, science and politics for publications including Gizmodo, The Independent, Trusted Reviews and Newsweek, but focuses on streaming at Future, an arrangement that combines two of his greatest passions: sport and penny-pinching.
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