The wait is finally over for cricket fans across the globe as the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 28, 2026.

This season promises to be one of the most organized and disciplined tournaments in the history of the league. With a mix of seasoned legends and fresh talent, the 2026 season looks ready to provide high-octane drama over the course of 74 matches.

The opening clash will feature the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

This high-profile encounter sets the tone for a two-month-long cricketing festival that will conclude with the grand final on May 31, 2026.

IPL 2026 Special: New Operational Rules (BCCI Updates)

For the 2026 season, the BCCI has introduced several strict operational guidelines to improve player discipline and maintain the quality of the grounds. These changes are significant and mark a departure from how things were handled in previous years.

1. Match Day Practice Restrictions

One of the most talked-about changes is the total ban on practice sessions at the main stadium square on match days. To preserve the pitch and the outfield for the actual game, teams are no longer allowed to hold warm-up drills or net sessions on the center strip before the toss.

2. Strict Team Bus and Travel Protocols

Discipline extends beyond the field this year. All players and coaching staff must travel to the stadium together in the official team bus. Furthermore, family members and friends are strictly prohibited from traveling in the team bus or entering the field area during practice sessions. They are required to stay within designated hospitality zones.

3. Post-Match Presentation Dress Code

The BCCI has also updated the presentation ceremony rules. Players appearing for post-match interviews or trophy distributions are now forbidden from wearing sleeveless jerseys or floppy hats. This move aims to keep the broadcast looking professional and uniform.

4. Branding and Equipment Safety

New rules have been put in place regarding the LED advertising boards. Players have been warned against hitting balls toward these boards during warm-ups, as any damage to the electronics can disrupt the stadium's branding. Additionally, substitute players now have fixed seating areas to ensure they do not obstruct the view of these digital boards.

5. Jersey Number Updates

If a player wishes to change their jersey number mid-season, the franchise must now provide a formal notification to the BCCI at least 24 hours in advance. This ensures that the official records and broadcasting graphics remain accurate throughout the tournament.

All 10 Teams: Full Squads and Captains List

The 2026 season features ten powerhouse franchises, each led by a mix of experienced veterans and dynamic young leaders. Here is the complete list of captains and the core squads for every team.

1. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Captain: Faf du Plessis
Key Players: Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj, Rajat Patidar, Yash Dayal.

2. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

Captain: Ruturaj Gaikwad
Key Players: MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Shivam Dube, Matheesha Pathirana, Rachin Ravindra.

3. Mumbai Indians (MI)

Captain: Hardik Pandya
Key Players: Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishan Kishan, Tim David.

4. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Captain: Pat Cummins
Key Players: Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T. Natarajan.

5. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Captain: Shreyas Iyer
Key Players: Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakaravarthy, Venkatesh Iyer.

6. Gujarat Titans (GT)

Captain: Shubman Gill
Key Players: Rashid Khan, Sai Sudharsan, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammed Shami.

7. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Captain: Sanju Samson
Key Players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal, Trent Boult, Dhruv Jurel.

8. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Captain: KL Rahul
Key Players: Nicholas Pooran, Quinton de Kock, Ravi Bishnoi, Marcus Stoinis, Ayush Badoni.

9. Delhi Capitals (DC)

Captain: Rishabh Pant
Key Players: David Warner, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh.

10. Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Captain: Shikhar Dhawan
Key Players: Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Arshdeep Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Kagiso Rabada.

IPL 2026 Auction Highlights

The mini-auction leading up to the 2026 edition saw franchises spending big to plug specific gaps in their bowling attacks and middle orders. Several records were nearly broken as teams fought for the signatures of elite international stars and domestic talent.

The Most Expensive Signings

One of the standout stories from the auction was the intense bidding war for Cameron Green, who was secured by Kolkata Knight Riders for a massive sum.

Teams showed a clear preference for fast-bowling all-rounders, who are increasingly becoming the most valuable assets in the T20 format.

The Rise of Uncapped Talent

Following the trend of previous years, IPL 2026 also saw significant investments in uncapped Indian players. Scouts from various franchises traveled extensively to domestic tournaments, identifying young power-hitters and wrist-spinners.

These players often provide the best value for money and frequently turn into the surprise packages of the season.

Franchise Strategies

While teams like Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings focused on retaining their core identity, others like Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals opted for a more aggressive overhaul.

The tactical shift toward data-driven selections was evident, with several franchises using advanced analytics to decide which players would fit their specific home-ground conditions.

Detailed Venues & Stadiums Info

The IPL 2026 season will be spread across 12 different cities, offering a diverse range of playing conditions. From the massive bowl in Ahmedabad to the high-altitude setting in Dharamshala, each stadium brings its own unique atmosphere.

Note: Raipur's Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium will also host a few matches for RCB this year.

IPL 2026 Full Schedule and Timings

The league stage consists of 70 matches, followed by the playoffs. Most matches are scheduled for the evening to ensure maximum viewership, but the "Double Header" weekends will feature afternoon games as well.

Opening Week Fixtures (March 28 – April 3)

Tournament Timings

Afternoon Matches: Start at 3:30 PM IST.
Evening Matches: Start at 7:30 PM IST.

The league stage concludes on May 24, after which the top four teams will move into the playoffs. The Qualifier 1, Eliminator, and Qualifier 2 will lead up to the Grand Final on May 31, 2026.

Tickets and Broadcasting Details

For fans who want to experience the electric atmosphere of the stadium, securing tickets early is a priority. For the 2026 season, franchises have partnered with specific digital platforms to manage sales in phases.

How to Book IPL 2026 Tickets Online

The booking process is split across three main platforms depending on the home team:

BookMyShow: Official partner for Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Mumbai Indians.
District by Zomato: Official partner for Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Official App/Website: RCB continues its tradition of selling tickets exclusively through its own dedicated platforms.

Ticket Price Range

Prices vary significantly based on the venue and the profile of the match. For the 2026 season, the general price brackets are:

Budget/General Stands: ₹500 – ₹1,500
Mid-Range Stands: ₹2,000 – ₹7,500
Premium/Hospitality: ₹8,000 – ₹65,000+ (RCB’s premium lounge at the Chinnaswamy remains the most expensive).

Where to Watch: TV and Digital

If you are watching from home, the broadcasting landscape has seen a major consolidation.

Television: All matches will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in multiple regional languages.
Digital Streaming: The JioHotstar app and website hold the exclusive digital rights, offering 4K streaming and various camera angles for a personalized viewing experience.
AI Integration: In a first-of-its-kind move, the BCCI has partnered with Google India to provide real-time AI-powered tactical insights and conversational analysis directly within Google Search.

Conclusion and Experts' Prediction

As we stand on the threshold of another massive season, the question on everyone's mind is: who will lift the trophy on May 31?

The Frontrunners

Many cricket analysts and former players have already weighed in. Mumbai Indians are currently the top favorites among experts like Michael Vaughan, largely due to their balanced core of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah.

However, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are not far behind, with many backing them to become the third team in history to successfully defend their title.

Dark Horses

Keep an eye on Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans. Both teams have made tactical changes to their bowling units during the mini-auction that could prove decisive on the spin-friendly tracks expected in the latter half of the tournament.

Whether you are a die-hard supporter of a specific franchise or a neutral lover of the game, IPL 2026 is set to provide two months of unparalleled sports entertainment. With stricter rules ensuring a faster pace of play and more disciplined team environments, the quality of cricket is expected to reach new heights.

Which team do you think has the strongest squad this year? Let us know your top four predictions in the comments below!