When it comes to the sport of T20 cricket, the IPL and PSL are the cream of the crop. While the PSL is already underway, IPL fans have another day to wait before the action picks up.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the opening match of IPL 2026 on March 28th, 2026. However, the PSL has implemented a new rule that levels the playing field between the two teams in a match. Is this something that the IPL should do too?
The PSL’s Two XI Rule
New to the 2026 season of the PSL is a rule involving two playing XI’s.
“Each team captain is now allowed to bring two team sheets to the toss and pick one based on whose favor the coin falls,” News 18 reports. “In T20s around the world, team sheets are exchanged before the toss. Thus, confirming the playing 11s for each team. By allowing two team sheets, the PSL is allowing the teams to be better prepared for dewy conditions. Which usually come into effect in the second innings.”
The new rule also states that once the playing 11 has been finalized, the opposing captain must agree to changes.
“Once the final lineup has been nominated, no player listed in the selected playing eleven may be changed before the start of the match without the consent of the opposing captain.”
News 18 also reveals how this new rule levels the playing field from a tactical perspective.
“In the PSL, the team that is asked to bowl second now has the chance to remove an extra spinner for a pacer,” the outlet explains. “At the same time, the team that wins the toss and chooses to bat second can pick an extra bowler to be aggressive in the first innings, trusting a shorter batting lineup to chase in the second innings.”
No Opening Ceremony For IPL 2026 & What They Are Doing Instead
The BCCI has revealed that there will be no opening ceremony for this year’s IPL tournament. The reason for it is very somber and serious.
“Due to last year’s tragic incident on June 4, there will be no formal function on the day of the start of IPL-2026 (in Bengaluru),” Devajit Saikia of the BCCI said in a statement. “The BCCI is not organising any cultural or entertainment show at the start of IPL-19. As a mark of respect to the departed souls due to that tragedy on June 4, 2025.”
Despite the tragic incident, there are still plans to celebrate. These plans are for a different time and a much more appropriate setting.
“However, the BCCI and the IPL Governing Council are planning a grand entertainment function at the closing of the IPL, on the day of the final (May 31),” the BCCI said.
It makes sense to pay tribute to the 11 lives that were lost in a stampede outside of the stadium when RCB won their first IPL title. This gesture is one small way to do just that.
In addition, the RCB will reserve 11 seats in their stands. These seats will remain empty as a tribute to the lives lost in the tragedy.
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