IPL 2026: Captains Gather for Key Meeting Ahead of Season Kickoff

IPL 2026 Captains' Meeting Concludes in Mumbai

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hosted a significant meeting with the captains of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on March 25 at its Mumbai headquarters. The much-anticipated 19th season of the IPL is set to commence on March 28.

All ten franchise captains participated in the discussions, which aimed to address crucial playing conditions, clarify rules, and review operational details for the upcoming season.

Among the attendees were Shubman Gill, captain of the Gujarat Titans, and Hardik Pandya, who leads the Mumbai Indians. Gill shared with the media, "The meeting was very productive."

Other notable captains included Ishan Kishan from Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rishabh Pant of Lucknow Super Giants, Ajinkya Rahane from Kolkata Knight Riders, and Shreyas Iyer of Punjab Kings.

Additionally, Rajat Patidar from Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Ruturaj Gaikwad of Chennai Super Kings, Riyan Parag from Rajasthan Royals, and Axar Patel of Delhi Capitals were present.

The agenda covered various topics such as the innings timer (60-second clock), the Impact Player rule, concussion substitute protocols, and code of conduct regulations.

This meeting is a traditional precursor to each IPL season, ensuring that team leaders have a clear and consistent understanding of the rules before the tournament begins.

IPL 2026 is scheduled to kick off on March 28, with teams preparing for another thrilling season of competition.

On March 11, the BCCI released the schedule for the initial phase of IPL 2026, which will run from March 28 to April 12. The opening match will feature defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

A total of 20 matches will take place across ten venues, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.

Following the inaugural match, the Mumbai Indians will compete against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday.

The first double-header of the season is set for April 4, 2026, featuring Delhi Capitals against Mumbai Indians in the afternoon at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, followed by Gujarat Titans facing Rajasthan Royals at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Rajasthan Royals will kick off their home campaign in Guwahati, hosting both Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play their early home matches at the PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh.

Throughout the season, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will have five home games in Bengaluru and two in Raipur. Punjab Kings will host four matches in New Chandigarh and three in Dharamshala, while Rajasthan Royals will play three home games in Guwahati and four in Jaipur.