IPL Start 2026 - Lotus365

When Did IPL 2026 Start? Complete Schedule & Opening Match Details

Posted on March 3, 2026April 3, 2026 by lotusg365

The Indian Premier League is a Twenty-two overs cricket league, which takes place in India. It is run and managed by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI). It was initiated back in 2008. The Indian Premier League has been a thrilling and globally recognised cricket league since its inception

It has cities that compete against each other in a fast format. It is a mix of world cricketing superstars, youthfulness, excitement, and a massive fan base. It is hence among the most profitable and successful cricketing events across the globe.

When did IPL 2026 start?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the most expected event in global cricket that will be held in 2026. This will attract the international cricket enthusiasts. IPL is a commercial enterprise that is managed by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI). It is a sports event that is managed so well. Millions of viewers come to watch this event annually. It addresses various regions of the world.

The Indian Premier League or IPL is set to have its 2026 season. The start of the first season will be 28 th March, 2026. To the cricket lovers, it is a bit of thrilling news since they are now in a position to see one of the most thrilling sporting events within the next two months, with a full stadium full of fun moments and other thrilling details.

It will also imply that the last match of the event will be played on May 31, 2026, thus giving the cricket fans a chance to watch several great cricket matches played exclusively and quickly.

The league is based on its customary summer window, which is ideal for playing cricket in India. The citizens of the country and around the world watch their preferred teams and players on television.

The inaugural match of IPL 2026 was a huge hype, just like there is every year. The stadiums were full, and TV and those interactive streaming services attracted the attention of millions of people to the game.

Who is in the IPL Set List 2026?

The 2026 IPL had ten franchise teams, as had been the case with the previous season. All players in the franchises competed as international talents and Indian cricket stars, while young uncapped players joined through the retention pool, trades, and mini-auction process before the tournament started.

The basis of these facts is the officially published lists of squads and retention that bypass the entire league.

The set list of IPL is generally the teams that are participating in the tournament. According to the current trend, IPL will comprise 10 teams, which will be competing against one another to win the most prestigious cup.

The projected 2026 IPL teams are as mentioned below:

Chennai Super Kings
Mumbai Indians
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Kolkata Knight Riders
Delhi Capitals
Rajasthan Royals
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Punjab Kings
Gujarat Titans
Lucknow Super Giants

These clubs represent the representatives of the various Indian cities; they include local and foreign players.

All these policies on transferring the players, mega auction, and retention are those that determine the final makeup of each team by the time the tournament is underway. The players who will participate in IPL 2026 will all be settled after the IPL 2026 auction is conducted.

Which Day Is the IPL Auction in 2026?

The IPL auction is one of the melodramatic pre-seasons. It is normally carried out in the winter months between the months of December and February, just before the commencement of the new season. The case of IPL 2026 auction would be done later in the month of December 2025 or January 2026. The actual date will be announced by the Board of Control of Indian Cricket.

IPL has two types of auctions:

Mega Auction – It is an auction that is held at a few-year intervals; here, the teams could be able to restructure their teams virtually.
Mini Auction- This was a smaller auction that was to be used to seal some holes in the team line-ups.

The case will be a mini-auction of IPL 2026, should BCCI fail to announce a new cycle. During the auction:

Teams bid for players.
Base prices are announced.
Unsold players can come back on the fast track.
Budget and squad balance are the basis on which teams strategise.

Millions of viewers come together to watch the auction day as they keenly watch the bidding wars of the best players.

Will Dhoni Play IPL 2026?

The most burning question fans have posed till now every year is whether MS Dhoni will feature in IPL any further. Every discussion about the Chennai Super Kings team always seems to start with a discussion about the years of the legendary captain and giant of Indian cricket, MS Dhoni, who has been the face of the IPL and the team since 2008.

As he is retiring from international cricket, he will still play an important role as captain and will contribute to the success of the team with his experience as the captain of the team before, as he has been doing in the IPL.

Yes. The Chennai Super Kings have officially confirmed the availability of Dhoni to their team in the 2026 season: “We can certify this much that he is coming to Chennai and he has confirmed to play in the season. The fans might want to see the experience and presence of Dhoni once again.

What Will Happen on 19 July 2026?

The inference that can be arrived at, resting on the patterns that will be applied during the matches that would be hosted under the IPL tournament, is that the cancellation of the IPL tournament will be announced at the close of May. In this regard, one can argue that 19th July 2026 can be part of the IPL 2026 season.

However, 19 July 2026 might be forced to be related to some other activity in the sphere of cricket or the declaration of IPL. The BCCI, at times, broadcasts future schedules, player contracts, or special events on particular dates.

In case there are any planned events of IPL on any of the dates 19 July 2026, then it will be announced through the official means closer to the time. The fans will follow the official announcement of the IPL and BCCI, and, in this way, there will be an opportunity to receive the information adequately.

Which Team Is Shubman Gill in IPL 2026?

Shubman Gill is an upcoming cricketing star with a lot of potential in India, and he has already established himself as a star in the Gujarat Titans in recent seasons, followed in the IPL.

Shubman Gill is a high-quality and highly consistent batter with the potential of leading the Gujarat Titans in the previous seasons, since he was born to be a leader.

Based on the trends that are to be followed for the IPL schedule, it has a high possibility that the end of the IPL tournament will be carried out towards the end of May.

There is a rearrangement of teams in a mega auction.
He has been sold to another franchise.
Retention policies change

Which Teams Are Playing in IPL 2026?

The participating teams are:

Chennai Super Kings
Mumbai Indians
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Kolkata Knight Riders
Delhi Capitals
Rajasthan Royals
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Punjab Kings
Gujarat Titans
Lucknow Super Giants

This will be one of the group stages after which there will be a series of matches, then the playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and lastly the final.

This will be done in different metropolitan cities in India, such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Ahmedabad, ad etc.

The teams will endeavour to make up a team of good batsmen, bowlers, all-rounders and a tactful captain.

Why IPL 2026 Will Be Special?

The difference in the IPL 2026 tournament will be that the tournament will be cutthroat, and will be full of fresh and young talents, and perhaps the old stars, who will only render their swan songs. This is a tournament that is organised by the Board of Control of Cricket in India and has been gradually gaining popularity in the world.

The teams, such as Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, will fight against each other to have supremacy, and Shubman Gill and other upcoming talents will present their talents.

The IPL 2026 will indeed be a bigger, better, and more appealing event since they would involve planetary broadcasting, full stadiums, high-tech, and so on to the world of cricketing fans.

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Conclusion

The IPL began in 2026 with exciting games, many successful teams, and popular players, including MS Dhoni and Shubman Gill, who have kept spectators inside stadiums in India. The season offers the fans quality cricket games involving emerging players and high competition.

The 2026 IPL tournament will provide a spectacular event in the world of cricket with its full stadiums and global viewership, and secure internet watching sources, which will be experienced by the fans in all corners of the globe.

Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI – Match Result & Full Story

Posted on February 17, 2026April 3, 2026 by lotusg365

The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI delivered an electrifying contest that kept fans glued to their screens from start to finish. As part of the ongoing ODI series, the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh clash carried high expectations, and both teams lived up to the hype with a performance full of intensity, drama, and crucial turning points. From aggressive batting to disciplined bowling, the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh encounter proved once again why this rivalry continues to grow in international cricket.

Coming into this match, both Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh squads were eager to gain the upper hand in the series. Sri Lanka aimed to dominate with their experienced lineup, while Bangladesh entered the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh showdown with confidence and a well-balanced team. The match quickly turned into a tactical battle, where every run, wicket, and decision played a vital role in shaping the outcome.

In this detailed coverage of the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI – Match Result & Full Story, we explore all the key highlights, including match-winning performances, crucial DRS moments, and game-changing partnerships. Whether you missed the match or want a full breakdown, this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh report will give you a complete understanding of how the action unfolded.

🏏 Bangladesh’s Batting — Good Enough, Not Brilliant

In the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI, Bangladesh got the toss and chose to bat first. And honestly, the first 20 minutes of this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh clash were painful to watch if you’re a Bangladesh fan.

Tanzid Hasan nicked off to Fernando in the third over. Just a regulation edge, nothing special, straight to the keeper. He looked disappointed walking back — and fair enough. In a high-pressure Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match, losing your opener that early puts immediate pressure on the entire top order. Suddenly, you’re rebuilding before you’ve even built anything.

Then came Shanto. And yes, in every Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh game, he tends to divide opinion — people always want him to score faster. But what he did here was exactly right. He took his time, settled in, and didn’t throw his wicket away trying to compensate for the early loss. Alongside Emon, he built a partnership of 63 runs. Shanto only contributed 14 of those, but in a tense Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh encounter, that partnership was crucial. Without it, Bangladesh could have easily collapsed early.

Emon, though, was the standout performer in this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh innings. His 67 off 69 balls was a quality knock in any ODI context. He reached his fifty in just 46 balls and looked completely in control. He dominated the leg side, picked length early, and got into position quickly. Sri Lanka dropped him early — around the fifth or sixth over in this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match — and that proved costly. He made them pay with three clean sixes, properly timed, no luck involved.

When Emon got out in the 20th over for 67, Bangladesh were in a decent position in this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh game — but far from safe.

Then came Hridoy, and this is where things get underrated in this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh story. He scored 51 off 69 balls. It wasn’t the most fluent innings — Hasaranga troubled him, there were a few nervous moments — but he stayed. And that mattered. Around overs 25 to 30 in this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh clash, Bangladesh hit a rough patch with wickets falling too quickly. Hridoy’s presence prevented a complete collapse and kept the innings alive.

On the bowling side, Fernando was exceptional for Sri Lanka in this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match. His figures of 4 for 35 show how disciplined he was, making Bangladesh fight for every run. Hasaranga was a bit more expensive — 3 for 60 — but still picked up key wickets at important moments.

Eventually, Bangladesh were bowled out for 248 in 45.5 overs in this Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI.

Kusal Mendis Made 248 Look Like Nothing. For About 12 Overs.

This section of the game is the reason half the internet is still talking about it.

Mendis walked out to bat like he already knew how this was going to end. First ball — hit. Second ball — hit. He wasn’t hanging around, wasn’t respecting the target, wasn’t doing any of that cautious opener stuff. He just started playing his shots from ball one and the timing was — I don’t know how to describe it other than obscene. Like the ball was coming off his bat differently than it comes off everyone else’s.

50 off 20 balls. Twenty balls. The fastest ODI fifty ever scored at the R. Premadasa Stadium — Thisara Perera held that record before this, 23 balls against England back in 2014, and Mendis just erased it. It’s also the fourth quickest half-century ever by a Sri Lankan in men’s ODI cricket which is a mental stat when you think about how many games Sri Lanka have played.

10 overs gone. Sri Lanka at 75 for 2. Mendis on 50-something and still going. 249 target. This chase was basically over.

Tanvir Islam had been brought on to bowl and — this is important — Mendis was absolutely destroying him. 22 runs off two overs. The kid looked shell-shocked. He’s 22, second ODI ever, and he’s getting smashed by one of the best white-ball batters in the world in front of a packed home crowd. Every captain I can think of takes him off here. Every single one.

Miraz left him on.

The DRS Ball. The One That Changed Everything.

Tanvir comes in to bowl again. Mendis is on 56 off 31 balls. Barely any sweat on his shirt.

Ball hits pad. Big appeal. Umpire says no.

Miraz reviews.

The whole ground waits.

Out. LBW. Overturned.

I don’t exaggerate when I say the atmosphere in that stadium changed in about three seconds. One moment it’s loud and buzzing and Sri Lanka fans are already planning the celebration. Then Mendis is walking off and suddenly it’s this horrible silence — the kind you get when a crowd realizes the game they thought was done is very much not done.

What happened next was just brutal for Sri Lanka. From 75 for 2 they went to 170 for 8. I wrote that again because I need you to actually sit with it. 75 for 2. Cruising. To 170 for 8. In one of the most one-sided batting collapses I’ve seen from a team that was genuinely well-placed.

Asalanka went. Kamindu Mendis went. Wellalage went. Hasaranga — the same Hasaranga who’d taken 3 wickets with the ball — went without making much impact. All of them falling to the spinners, all of them looking uncomfortable and rushed and nothing like the batters they actually are.

Tanvir was a completely different bowler now. Same action, same arm speed — but the lines were tighter, the variations were sharper, and you could see in his face that the Mendis wicket had done something for his confidence. Miraz and Shamim chipped in too, the whole spin unit just suffocated Sri Lanka’s middle order over those crucial middle overs.

Final figures for Tanvir — 5 for 39. Best bowling figures ever recorded by a Bangladesh bowler against Sri Lanka in ODI history. Second ODI. After going for 22 in his first two overs.

I don’t know what else to say about that. It’s just remarkable.

Liyanage Nearly Gave Me a Heart Attack

So at 170 for 8 you’re thinking it’s done right. Bangladesh fans are probably thinking about the flight home already, relaxing, celebrating a bit early.

Then Janith Liyanage happened.

He came out and batted like someone who hadn’t read the scorecard. No panic, no slogging, no desperation — just clean proper cricket shots with real purpose behind them. And the thing is Bangladesh’s bowling at the death started getting nervy. They went down the leg side a couple of times, gave away some extras, Liyanage kept finding the boundary and suddenly this match had a really uncomfortable feel to it again.

By the time it got to the 48th over, Sri Lanka needed 21 off 20 balls. Liyanage hit a six — a proper one, high and hard over midwicket — and the crowd lost it. Genuinely lost it. People who’d been quiet for the last hour were suddenly on their feet. I had a moment of genuine panic watching it.

Mustur Rafizahman though. You give him the ball in a moment like this and he earns his money. He came around the wicket, bowled this beautiful slower off-cutter, and Liyanage tried to drive it through the covers and just spooned it straight back. Caught and bowled. 78 off 85 balls — which is a stunning innings by the way, one of the better lower-order knocks I’ve seen in a close ODI finish — but it wasn’t enough.

Sri Lanka 232 all out. Bangladesh winners by 16 runs.

So Where Does This Leave the Series?

1-1. Three-match series. Decider in Pallekele.

Sri Lanka had beaten Bangladesh by 77 runs in the first match — which felt pretty decisive at the time. Bangladesh looked completely outplayed that day. Coming back and winning the second game, away from home, defending a total that barely cracked 250, on a pitch that should’ve helped Sri Lanka’s batters — that’s a real response. That’s character.

Bangladesh’s spinning unit is the story of this match and probably the story of this series. Tanvir Islam gets the headlines but Miraz’s captaincy — specifically keeping Tanvir on when literally everyone watching thought he should come off — that’s the decision that won this game. Proper instinct from a captain who backed his bowler when it was the wrong-looking call.

Sri Lanka have a problem though and they know it. Their middle order just fell apart when the pressure came on. Asalanka, Kamindu, Wellalage — these are experienced cricketers. They shouldn’t be falling in a heap like that from a position of 75 for 2. Something’s wrong with how they’re set up to handle losing a big wicket mid-chase and they need to figure that out before Pallekele or it’ll happen again. Bangladesh’s spinners will make sure of it.

The decider should be good. Both teams now know exactly what to expect from each other.

The Numbers for the Stat People

Match: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2nd ODI Date: July 5, 2025 Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo Result: Bangladesh won by 16 runs Bangladesh: 248 all out in 45.5 overs Sri Lanka: 232 all out in 48.5 overs Player of the Match: Tanvir Islam (5/39) Top Runs BAN: Parvez Hossain Emon 67 | Towhid Hridoy 51 Top Runs SL: Janith Liyanage 78 | Kusal Mendis 56 Best Bowling BAN: Tanvir Islam 5/39 Best Bowling SL: Asitha Fernando 4/35

Final Thought Before the Decider

Third ODI, Pallekele, winner takes the series.

My gut says Bangladesh go in as slight favorites now — they’ve got momentum, their spin attack is clicking, and they’ve already proven they can handle Colombo conditions better than anyone expected. Sri Lanka are at home though and their batting — when it’s working properly — is genuinely dangerous.

Whoever wins the middle overs battle wins this series. That’s it. That’s the whole thing. Overs 20 to 40, who controls the spin, who builds pressure, who holds their nerves. This match proved that more clearly than anything.

Stay across it on loutas365.com — third ODI preview and full result coming soon.