RCB and CSK to play IPL 2026 opener; Know here

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is all set to begin on March 28. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently confirmed the start date, mentioning that they will be announcing the full schedule on March 13 or 14.

While the schedule of IPL 2026 is keeping many excited, the reports in Cricbuzz have confirmed the first two games of the tournament. Generally, the finalists of the last years play the season opener, but it won’t be the case this time around.

The reports claimed that Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be locking horns with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2026. The match is expected to be played at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The venue will also mark a return to cricket after a ban following a deadly stampede.

Punjab Kings, who were the runner-ups in the last edition, will be playing their first game against the Gujarat Titans in New Chandigarh. The match will be played on Sunday March 29. The rest of the schedule will be announced soon by the BCCI.

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. And the BCCI wants them to play on the opening days. 

Dates revealed for IPL 2026 captain’s meet

Before the season begins, there will be a captains meet as well as photoshoot. BCCI will be having a 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. 

Before that too, there will be captains shoot will be held in New Delhi on March 15. It remains to be see if Pat Cummins attends it as he is the only overseas captain in the league.