The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has informed franchises that the official captains’ photoshoot ahead of the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season will take place on March 15 in New Delhi. The annual shoot traditionally brings together all team captains at one venue for promotional activities and media engagements before the start of the tournament.

The captains’ shoot is considered one of the key curtain-raising events for the IPL season, as it features the leaders of all franchises posing together with the league trophy and participating in interviews and broadcast content. The event also helps build anticipation among fans as preparations intensify for the new edition of the tournament.

The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League is expected to begin later in March, with teams already finalising logistics, training schedules and squad plans. The March 15 photoshoot in New Delhi will therefore serve as an early promotional milestone before the league officially gets underway.

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Opening Clash Likely Between RCB and CSK

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to share the full agenda for the upcoming meeting, and the details are expected to be released in due course. Some important changes for the new season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 could also be discussed during the meeting.

The IPL 2026 season will begin on March 28 (Saturday). However, the full schedule has not been announced yet. The BCCI said that the first 20 days of matches will be confirmed by March 13 (Friday). Traditionally, the defending champions play the first match of the tournament. Because of this, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to start the season.

Reports suggest that Royal Challengers Bengaluru may face Ruturaj Gaikwad's CSK in the opening match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The IPL usually prefers big teams to play the first game. Teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders are among the most valuable franchises, so a big clash is expected on the opening day.

The other finalist of IPL 2025, Punjab Kings, are likely to play their first match on March 29 (Sunday) against Gujarat Titans. This match could be the second game of IPL 2026.

Virat Kohli Shares Intense Net Session Ahead of IPL 2026

Virat Kohli has once again become the centre of attention after he shared his intense batting practice through social media. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star posted a video of his training session in the nets, sending a strong message to rival teams as the defending champions prepare for the new season starting on March 28 in the IPL.