Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The anticipation for the upcoming Indian Premier League has been rising ever since the delay in the announcement of 2026 season schedule. Earlier, the schedule had to be out in first week of March, which was further delayed to 12th March, as confirmed by BCCI secretary, Devajit Saikia. With around 24 hours to go for the announcement of IPL 2026 schedule, SportsTiger confirms that first match of the season will be played between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Bengaluru.
IPL Captain's Meet on March 25
The runners up of the last season, Punjab Kings will be seen in action of Day 2 as they will be up against Gujarat Titans at Punjab's home ground Mullanpur. Sources close to SportsTiger also confirm that BCCI has informed all the franchises that the captain's meet ahead of the season will be held in Mumbai on 25 March 2026. Unlike previous years, BCCI has chosen to keep captain's meet in Mumbai itself. This decision is most likely taken because the Bengaluru Stadium is still getting ready for the upcoming Indian Premier League.
RCB to play 5 matches in Bengaluru and 2 matches in Raipur
Previously, defending Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru confirmed that they will be playing 5 matches in Bengaluru while the other two home matches in Raipur. Interestingly, the stadium will host the opening and final match of the season as well.
Most of the teams are going with same captains like previous season, except for Rajasthan Royals, who traded Sanju Samson for Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran. In place of Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals has chosen to go ahead with young blood and selected Riyan Parag as their captain. Kolkata Knight Riders on the other hand are most likely going ahead with Ajinkya Rahane who previously has captained the franchise as well.
