IPL 2026 from today
KATHMANDU: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has firmly established itself as the world’s biggest cricket league, with franchise valuations soaring. Recent assessments place the Royal Challengers Bangalore at around $1.78 billion and the Rajasthan Royals at $1.6 billion, highlighting the league’s immense commercial growth.
The IPL has also played a pivotal role in India’s cricketing dominance. Earlier this year, India clinched its third T20 World Cup, becoming the first team to successfully defend the title—a triumph largely attributed to players who honed their skills in the IPL. Notably, seven captains of this season’s ten IPL teams—Rajat Patidar, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane, Shubman Gill, and Riyan Parag—were not part of the World Cup-winning squad, underscoring the league’s role in producing world-class talent.
The 2026 season gets underway at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the very venue where the IPL debuted in 2008. Following last year’s maiden title triumph for Royal Challengers Bangalore, the franchise will open the season at home. In a somber nod to last year’s tragic crowd accident, 11 seats will remain empty in memory of those who lost their lives.
This season promises a fascinating blend of youth and experience. Emerging talents such as Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ayush Mhatre, members of India’s U19 World Cup-winning side, will share the field with seasoned stars including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Virat Kohli.
While defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore aim for a second title, Chennai Super Kings are regrouping after a disappointing campaign last season. Mumbai Indians, yet to claim a trophy in five years, enter the season with a strengthened lineup, while franchises including Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants, and Rajasthan Royals remain in the hunt for glory.
However, international commitments mean some top pacers—Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Sam Curran, and Matheesa Pathirana—may miss the initial fixtures. Despite this, the start of the IPL is expected to reignite cricket fever across India and the world.
