Punjab Kings (PBKS) Head into IPL 2026 with a schedule that includes fresh venues, tough travel stretches and a crucial home run at the end of the season. One of the most notable features this year is their split home setup.
PBKS will play four matches at the Maharaja Yadvendra Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh (Mullanpur) to host Gujarat Titans (GT)Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Later in the tournament, they will shift to the picturesque HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, where they will host three key matches against Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
PBKS begin their campaign at home against GT on March 31, a fixture that gives them an immediate opportunity to set the tone. After finishing runners-up last season, the captain Shreyas Iyer And his team will be eager to start strong and carry that momentum forward. However, the early part of the schedule quickly becomes demanding. PBKS face three consecutive matches in different parts of the country – against CSK in Chennai, KKR in Kolkata and MI in Mumbai. This expansion will test the team’s depth, adaptability and ability to handle pressure away from home.
A highlight of Punjab’s schedule comes in mid-May, when they play three consecutive home games in Dharamshala. The venue, known for its natural beauty and lively conditions, has returned to the IPL calendar this season and could play a crucial role in PBKS’ playoff run. Playing multiple matches at the same venue gives the team a chance to acclimatise to the conditions, which could give them an edge in this crucial stage.
With Ricky Ponting remaining as the head coach, Punjab Kings will aim to build on last season’s success. If they can overcome the early challenges and take advantage of their strong home performances, PBKS can be serious title contenders once again.
Also read: Will Preity Zinta’s Punjab Kings punish Lockie Ferguson for missing the early part of IPL 2026?
Punjab Kings complete IPL 2026 schedule
- March 31 – Punjab Kings vs Gujarat Titans – New Chandigarh – 7:30 PM IST
- April 3 – Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings – Chennai – 7:30 PM IST
- April 6 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings – Kolkata – 7:30 PM IST
- April 11 – Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – New Chandigarh – 3:30 PM IST
- April 16 – Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings – Mumbai – 7:30 PM IST
- April 19 – Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants – New Chandigarh – 7:30 PM IST
- April 25 – Delhi Capitals vs Punjab Kings – Delhi – 3:30 PM IST
- April 28 – Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals – New Chandigarh – 7:30 PM IST
- May 3 – Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings – Ahmedabad – 7:30 PM IST
- May 6 – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings – Hyderabad – 7:30 PM IST
- May 11 – Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – Dharamshala – 7:30 PM IST
- May 14 – Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Dharamshala – 7:30 PM IST
- May 17 – Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Dharamshala – 3:30 PM IST
- May 23 – Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings – Lucknow – 7:30 PM IST
Note: IST = GMT+5:30
Also read: SWOT Analysis of Punjab Kings – PBKS Report Card before IPL 2026
