List of IPL teams who are yet to feature in season opener

IPL curtain-raiser remains an unrealised milestone for a few teams.

The schedule of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season was finally announced on Wednesday, March 11. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the IPL Governing Council have released a set of only 20 matches due the state elections due across multiple states in India. In the opening fixture, the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

The first match of the IPL has always been one of the most awaited matches amongst the fans. The tournament-opener often includes the defending champions. However, not all teams get the chance to play the first match of the most anticipated tournament.

The opening fixture of the IPL has been dominated by the Chennai Super Kings (9 times), Mumbai Indians (8 times) and Kolkata Knight Riders (8 times) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (7 times-including 2026). It is noteworthy that RCB will feature for seventh time in season-opener in 2026.

Among the other teams, there is still anticipation to feature in the season opener. Here’s a look at these teams.

IPL teams who are yet to feature in season opener

1. Punjab Kings

The biggest surprise on this list of teams yet to feature in an IPL season opener is Punjab Kings (PBKS). The franchise has been a part of IPL from its first season in 2008. The two time finalists have had some big stars over the years. However, the wait continues for the PBKS to feature in any IPL opener.

2. Rajasthan Royals

Another team which has not been a part of any IPL opener is Rajasthan Royals (RR). What is interesting is that RR were champions in the first edition of IPL in 2008, and despite that franchise has not been a part of any IPL opener. 

According to reports, RR were initially scheduled to play the season opener in 2009. But the IPL was shifted out of India with the national elections scheduled that summer. This resulted in the schedule change and the opportunity was missed by Rajasthan.

3. Lucknow Super Giants

The latest team to join this list is Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The team joined the IPL in 2022 after the league expanded to ten teams. Since their debut in the IPL, LSG have been competitive and have qualified for the playoffs for majority of seasons they have played. However, they are yet to appear in a season opener.

Having joined the league with Gujarat, the Titans have featured in the 2023 season opener after lifting the IPL trophy in their debut season. But the Sanjiv Goenka owned team are still on the waiting list to appear in the IPL curtain raiser.

A few franchises exited the league without ever playing an IPL season opener

Apart from these three teams, the 2011 additions Pune Warriors India and Kochi Tuskers Kerala also did not feature in the IPL season opener. Kochi was a part of IPL for a single year, while Pune Warriors were associated with the IPL for 3 years. Along with these, another team Gujarat Lions did not play the season opener during their time with the IPL.

Gujarat Lions and Rising Pune Supergiants were part of the IPL on a two-year contract after CSK and RR were suspended. RPSG featured in the 2016 season opener against MI. These teams are not a part of the IPL anymore and are dysfunctional.

It should also be noted that Delhi Capitals have only featured in one season opener in the history of the IPL. It happened in 2013 under a different name: Delhi Daredevils.

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