Finalists RCB, PBKS to begin IPL 2026 separately

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 19 opener will not feature the defending champions and runners-up from the 2025 edition. Finalists Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will open the season on March 28 while Punjab Kings are scheduled to face Gujarat Titans at Mullanpur on March 31.

Traditionally, the league prefers a high-profile start to the tournament, more often than not involving the defending champions. This year, the curtain-raiser could well see the champions RCB open against either Chennai Super Kings or Sunrisers Hyderabad. According to Brand Finance and Duff & Phelps, CSK, RCB, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are considered among the top four marquee sides of the league.

Captains meet in Mumbai

Meanwhile, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed the franchises that the annual meeting with captains and coaches will be held in Mumbai on March 25. The agenda for the meeting, the board said, will be shared later. Key changes planned for the upcoming season are generally discussed at the meeting.

The BCCI has also informed the franchises that the captains shoot will be held in New Delhi on March 15.

* Story updated at 16:30 IST on March 11 after further reporting