Overview:
The agenda will be shared ahead of the opening contest and is expected to cover potential rule updates or other key changes for the new season.
After the conclusion of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, cricket aficionados are gearing up for the IPL 2026 extravaganza starting Saturday, March 28. The BCCI is set to release the fixtures for the opening 20 days by March 13, giving teams and fans the first glimpse of the action-packed campaign.
The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to compete against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the opening fixture of the season.
According to Cricbuzz, RCB ARE expected to host CSK at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru for the opening match. The IPL organisers usually ensure that one of the marquee franchises features on day one. According to the Brand valuations from Duff & Phelps and Brand Finance, RCB, CSK, Mumbai Indians, and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are the four most valuable IPL franchises, making an opening match between two giants almost inevitable.
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings will begin their campaign on Sunday, March 29, against Gujarat Titans, which will serve as the second match of IPL 2026.
The BCCI has also announced that the traditional pre-tournament meeting involving captains of the 10 franchises will take place in Mumbai on Wednesday, March 25. The agenda will be shared ahead of the opening contest and is expected to cover potential rule updates or other key changes for the new season.
In addition, the official captains’ photoshoot for IPL 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, March 15, ahead of the tournament’s start.