IPL 2026 full schedule
The BCCI has finally announced the second phase of the IPL 2026 schedule, with 50 matches to be played from April 12 to May 24 across 12 venues. The schedule includes eight double-header encounters, with teams like PBKS playing home matches in New Chandigarh and Dharamsala. However, the playoffs schedule is still pending, with only the final date confirmed – May 31. Big matches include CSK vs MI clashes in Mumbai and Chennai, while RCB will host CSK in Bengaluru on April 5. The league stage ends with double-headers on May 24. Read more here.
Controversy at PSL 2026
New season of the Pakistan Super League and a controversy erupted in the PSL 2026 opener between the Lahore Qalandars and Hyderabad Kingsmen. The ball turned pink due to the maroon colour of Hyderabad’s jersey. The ball was changed in the 15th over, raising concerns over kit quality. Lahore Qalandars posted 199/6, with Fakhar Zaman scoring 50 and Shaheen Afridi hitting two sixes in the last two balls. Hyderabad’s Hassan Khan took 2/30. The incident has left fans and stakeholders wondering if amends can be made to prevent it in future matches. Read more here.
Sanju Samson update at CSK
CSK has finally sorted their opening slot for IPL 2026! Ruturaj Gaikwad will partner Sanju Samson at the top, as confirmed by the CSK captain. Gaikwad is shifting back to his preferred opening position, where he’s most effective, with 2289 runs in 60 innings. Samson’s strong T20 World Cup 2026 form makes him a great fit. This combo brings experience and firepower to CSK’s batting. Ayush Mhatre might get a chance at No.3, with Urvil Patel and Sarfaraz Khan adding depth. Watching Rutu and Sanju open will be a lovely sight for CSK fans. Read more here.
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Packed India schedule 26/27
India’s got a packed schedule for 2026/27! Four teams are visiting – West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Australia. Zimbabwe’s coming after 25 years for an ODI series. India will play 22 matches across 17 venues, including 5 Tests, 9 ODIs, and 8 T20Is. The action kicks off with West Indies’ white-ball tour on Sept 27, followed by Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. The big one – Australia’s 5-Test series – starts Jan 21, 2027. Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Guwahati are hosting two games each. It’s gonna be a thrilling ride for Indian cricket fans! Read more here.
IPL’s Impact player rule to stay!
The Impact Player rule is still a hot topic in the IPL, and captains aren’t happy about it. At the IPL 2026 captains’ meet in Mumbai, most captains voiced their concerns, wanting the rule scrapped. Legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have also opposed it. The rule allows teams to swap a player, making it 12 vs 12, and has changed tactics but diluted all-rounders’ roles. However, the BCCI is firm, keeping the rule till 2027, likely due to its monetary value in creating more high-scoring games. Captains are unhappy, but for now, the rule stays. Read more here.
Shubman Gill unhappy with…
Shubman Gill, GT captain, has joined the list of captains opposing the Impact Player rule in IPL. He thinks it takes the skill out of the game and makes it one-dimensional. Gill stated that cricket is a 11-player game and the extra bats and bowling skills are crucial. The rule, introduced in 2023, allows teams to substitute a player, and Gill feels it favors big-hitting batsmen. Other captains like Axar Patel, Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya have also criticized the rule. The BCCI is unlikely to change it soon, as it’s in place till 2027. Read more here.
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