With the T20 World Cup 2026 done and dusted, the focus of world cricetwill shift to one of its biggest yearly carnivals, as the IPL 2026 begins from March 28 (Saturday) . Theschedule for the tournament is yet to be announced, with the first 20 days of games set to be confirmed by March 13 (Friday), the BCCI confirmed. It has been the norm that the defending champions play certainly in the first game of the tournament. Hence, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will traditionally kick off the tournament. They might play a blockbuster clash on the opening day with one of the biggest franchises in the league, CSK.

According to a report by Cricbuzz, RCB are set to play the first match of the IPL 2026 against Chennai Super Kings at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The IPL authorities always prefer one of the four top franchises in the IPL to be involved on the first day. According to Brand Finance and Duff & Phelps, the four most valuable franchises in the IPL are RCB, CSK, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Hence, the IPL 2026 will definitely see two giants clash.

The other finalist of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings, will play their first game on March 29 (Sunday) against Gujarat Titans, and that would be the second game of the IPL 2026.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the franchises that the traditional meeting with theall the 10 captains will be held in Mumbai on March 25 (Wednesday). The agenda for the meeting, however, will be shared by the board in due course. The key changes that could take place in the new season might be discussed in the meeting.

The BCCI has also informed that the photoshoot involving all the IPL captains will take place on March 15 (Sunday).

GetLatest NewsLive on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines fromSports,Cricketand around the world.

Shaunak Ghosh is a Senior Sports Correspondent at Timesnownews with over seven years of experience in print and digital journalism. He holds a postgra...View More

Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now