India, March 27 -- The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season is nearly upon us, with the tournament's 19th edition just a day away. All roads lead to the Chinnaswamy Stadium, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday, March 28. Over 18 editions, the IPL has evolved into one of the most competitive leagues in world sport. Fans in India often compare it to the Premier League and the NFL, pointing to its massive media rights deals and ever-growing fan base as proof that the tournament is here to stay.

There is no denying that the IPL is fiercely competitive, with every team getting an equal shot at the title, thanks to the level playing field of the mega auction. How that purse is spent is up to...