IPL fantasy in the USA: the 2027 guide
The Indian Premier League is the biggest fantasy cricket event of the year, and IPL 2027 is expected to start in March. The official dates have not been announced yet. For US fans, most games are morning cricket: evening matches in India start around 10:00 AM Eastern. Here is what we know so far, how IPL fantasy works, and how to play from the US.
When is IPL 2027?
Not confirmed. Reports point to a start between March 10 and March 14, 2027, with the final in late May; the BCCI is looking at an earlier start to avoid the hottest weeks and the monsoon. Before that, the player auction is reported for Goa in mid-December, the last mini-auction of the current cycle. We'll update this page, and the US cricket calendar, as soon as the schedule is official.
The 10 IPL teams
- Chennai Super Kings
- Delhi Capitals
- Gujarat Titans
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Lucknow Super Giants
- Mumbai Indians
- Punjab Kings
- Rajasthan Royals
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
What time is the IPL in the US?
Going by 2026 timings, evening games in India (7:30 PM IST) start at 10:00 AM Eastern, or 9:00 AM before US clocks change in mid-March. On double-header days the afternoon game starts at 6:00 AM Eastern. On the West Coast that is 7:00 AM and 3:00 AM Pacific, so the evening games are breakfast cricket and the afternoon games are for early risers.
How IPL fantasy works
Pick an XI from both squads under a fixed budget, then name a captain (2× points) and vice-captain (1.5×). Points come from runs, boundaries, wickets, economy and fielding, and on Runtiva they update live, ball by ball. Lineups lock before the first ball and there is no late swap. New to it? Read what is cricket DFS or the glossary.
IPL fantasy strategy
- Wait for the toss. Teams name their XI and impact substitutes at the toss. Pick from the probable XIs, then check before lock that your captain is actually playing.
- Mind the impact substitute. Under the Impact Player rule, a team can bring in a specialist batter or bowler mid-match. A player who only bats or only bowls has fewer ways to score than a genuine all-rounder.
- Captain the top order. Openers bat through the powerplay and face the most balls, making them the steadiest 2× picks.
- Read the ground. Some IPL venues produce huge totals and some favor spin; recent scores at the venue tell you whether to load up on batters or bowlers.
Watching the IPL in the US
Willow was the official US broadcaster for IPL 2026, available through cable and satellite providers, its own app, and streaming bundles such as Sling TV's Desi packages. Check the broadcaster for IPL 2027 closer to the season.
Playing on Runtiva
Runtiva runs fantasy cricket contests on match days for the competitions listed in the app — check it as IPL 2027 approaches. Free contests are open wherever Runtiva operates; paid contests are only in eligible states, so see where you can play and how cash contests work. Watching with friends or your local club? Run a private contest for your group or see fantasy cricket for leagues.
Frequently asked questions
When does IPL 2027 start?
The dates are not official yet. The BCCI is expected to start IPL 2027 in March, with reports pointing to a start between March 10 and March 14 and the final in late May. This page will be updated when the schedule is announced.
What time are IPL games in the US?
Based on 2026 timings, evening games start at 10:00 AM Eastern (9:00 AM before US clocks change in mid-March) and afternoon games on double-header days start at 6:00 AM Eastern. That is 7:00 AM or 3:00 AM Pacific.
How can I watch the IPL in the USA?
Willow was the official US broadcaster for IPL 2026, available through cable and satellite providers, its own app, and streaming bundles such as Sling TV's Desi packages. Check the broadcaster for IPL 2027 closer to the season.
Does the Impact Player rule apply in IPL 2027?
It was extended through the 2027 season, but the BCCI has been reviewing it with franchises, so check before the season. For fantasy, an impact substitute who comes in only to bat or only to bowl has fewer ways to score.
Can I play IPL fantasy on Runtiva?
Runtiva runs fantasy cricket contests on match days for the competitions listed in the app, using the format IPL fantasy players know: a budget, a captain (2×) and a vice-captain (1.5×). Check the app as the season approaches. Free contests are available everywhere Runtiva operates; paid contests are only in eligible states.