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) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) are playing separately on the first two days of the season.

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 be between the champions RCB and the ever-popular Chennai Super Kings (CSK). 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.

It is understood that runners-up PBKS are playing Gujarat Titans in their first match at their home base, Mullanpur, on March 29. As is well known now, @L0$

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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.