The Andhra Premier League 2026 returns with seven franchises representing different regions of Andhra Pradesh, running from June 9 to June 30, 2026.
The tournament features 32 T20 matches and has quickly established itself as one of India’s most competitive regional leagues. From defending champions Tungabhadra Warriors to ambitious rebuilding sides like Royals of Rayalaseema, each franchise brings a distinct identity and squad depth.
This guide covers all seven APL 2026 teams, their 2025 records, key players, and title chances.
Andhra Premier League 2026 Teams List
The Andhra Premier League (APL) 2026 features seven franchises covering the major cricketing hubs of Andhra Pradesh.
| Team | Home Region |
|---|---|
| Vijayawada SunShiners | Vijayawada |
| Capital Amaravati Royals | Amaravati |
| Royals of Rayalaseema | Rayalaseema |
| Tungabhadra Warriors | Kurnool Region |
| Simhadri Vizag Lions | Visakhapatnam |
| Kakinada Kings | Kakinada |
| Bhimavaram Bulls | Bhimavaram |
Each team combines experienced state-level cricketers with emerging young talent, following a league-and-playoff format where every side competes to reach the knockout stage.
All Andhra Premier League 2026 Teams: Full Overview
1. Tungabhadra Warriors — Defending Champions
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Home Region | Kurnool Region |
| 2025 Finish | Champions |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Wins | 4 |
| Points | 8 |
Tungabhadra Warriors enter APL 2026 as the team to beat. Led by a core featuring CR Gnaneshwar, Gutta Rohit, and KV Sasikanth, the squad combines aggression with all-round depth across the batting and bowling departments.
Key strengths:
- Most experienced unit in the competition
- Aggressive batting style backed by dependable all-rounders
- Proven ability to perform in knockout cricket
Their 2025 title run was built on consistent performances throughout the league stage, and they enter the 2026 campaign as clear favourites.
2. Capital Amaravati Royals — League Stage Leaders in 2025
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Home Region | Amaravati |
| 2025 Finish | 1st in League Stage |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Wins | 5 |
| Points | 10 |
Capital Amaravati Royals were the standout team of the 2025 league phase, finishing at the top of the points table with five wins from six matches. The franchise has built a reputation for disciplined, consistent cricket across all departments.
Key strengths:
- Best points haul in the 2025 league stage
- Strong record in pressure situations
- Well-balanced squad across batting and bowling
Despite not winning the title in 2025, the Royals enter 2026 as strong contenders and will look to go one step further.
3. Vijayawada SunShiners — Balanced Playoff Contenders
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Home Region | Vijayawada |
| 2025 Finish | 3rd Place |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Wins | 3 |
| Points | 7 |
Vijayawada SunShiners enter 2026 with one of the most balanced squads in the competition. Key contributors include Ashwin Hebbar, Mycherla Dheeraj Kumar, and Yarra Prithvi Raj, who provide stability across all three departments.
Key strengths:
- Batting depth across the top and middle order
- Multiple all-round options for varied conditions
- Solid 2025 campaign provides confidence
The SunShiners reached the playoff race last season and will be targeting a title challenge in 2026.
4. Bhimavaram Bulls — Competitive Dark Horses
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Home Region | Bhimavaram |
| 2025 Finish | 4th Place |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Wins | 2 |
| Points | 6 |
Bhimavaram Bulls had a respectable 2025 campaign, staying in playoff contention for the majority of the tournament. The franchise is known for its fighting character and competitiveness in close contests.
Key strengths:
- Strong team morale and never-say-die attitude
- Consistent performances in tight finishes
- Improved squad depth heading into 2026
The Bulls will aim to convert their competitive displays into more wins and challenge for a top-three finish.
5. Kakinada Kings — All-Round Depth
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Home Region | Kakinada |
| 2025 Finish | 5th Place |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Wins | 2 |
| Points | 4 |
Kakinada Kings bring an exciting squad into APL 2026, led by prominent names such as KS Bharat and Pinninti Tapaswi. The franchise relies on all-round depth, with several players capable of contributing meaningfully in both innings.
Key strengths:
- Strong wicketkeeping-batting option in KS Bharat
- Flexible bowling attack suited to multiple conditions
- Young squad with high upside
Improving consistency will be the key factor in determining whether Kakinada Kings can reach the playoffs in 2026.
6. Simhadri Vizag Lions — Visakhapatnam’s Comeback Bid
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Home Region | Visakhapatnam |
| 2025 Finish | 6th Place |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Points | 4 |
Simhadri Vizag Lions represent one of Andhra Pradesh’s strongest cricketing regions. The squad includes experienced wicketkeeper-batter Ricky Bhui, alongside several promising all-rounders looking to establish themselves at the senior level.
Key strengths:
- Rich cricketing talent base in Visakhapatnam
- Experienced leadership and wicketkeeping in Ricky Bhui
- Motivated to improve on 2025’s disappointing campaign
Despite a difficult 2025 season, the Lions possess enough quality to push for a mid-table finish and spring surprises against stronger sides.
7. Royals of Rayalaseema — Rebuilding for 2026
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Home Region | Rayalaseema |
| 2025 Finish | 7th Place |
| Matches Played | 6 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Points | 3 |
Royals of Rayalaseema finished bottom of the table in 2025 and will be eager to bounce back. The squad includes talented batters such as Shaik Rasheed and Pyla Avinash, while multiple all-rounders add flexibility to the XI.
Key strengths:
- Young, hungry squad with point to prove
- Genuine batting talent in Shaik Rasheed
- Strong motivation after bottom-place 2025 finish
With the right combinations and early momentum, Rayalaseema could be the surprise package of APL 2026.
APL 2026 Teams
| Rank | Team | Wins | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Capital Amaravati Royals | 5 | 10 |
| 2 | Tungabhadra Warriors (Champions) | 4 | 8 |
| 3 | Vijayawada SunShiners | 3 | 7 |
| 4 | Bhimavaram Bulls | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | Kakinada Kings | 2 | 4 |
| 6 | Simhadri Vizag Lions | 1 | 4 |
| 7 | Royals of Rayalaseema | 1 | 3 |
Andhra Premier League 2026 Tournament Format & Schedule
The 2026 APL follows a double round-robin league phase, with every team facing each other before the top sides advance to the knockout stage. The final is scheduled at the ACA International Cricket Stadium, Amaravati.
| Stage | Date | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| League Stage | June 9 – June 27 | 28 |
| Eliminator | June 28 | 1 |
| Qualifier 1 | June 28 | 1 |
| Qualifier 2 | June 29 | 1 |
| Final | June 30 | 1 |
| Total | 32 |
Title Contenders: Strongest APL 2026 Teams
Based on 2025 form and squad depth, four franchises stand out as genuine title contenders heading into the 2026 season:
| Team | Title Case |
|---|---|
| Tungabhadra Warriors | Defending champions with the most experienced squad |
| Capital Amaravati Royals | Best 2025 league record; proven consistency |
| Vijayawada SunShiners | Balanced squad with playoff experience |
| Bhimavaram Bulls | Competitive unit with upward trajectory |
- Tungabhadra Warriors are the defending champions and clear favourites based on squad depth and knockout experience.
- Capital Amaravati Royals topped the 2025 league stage and will be highly motivated to win the title they came closest to last season.
- Vijayawada SunShiners offer the most balanced squad in the field and cannot be written off.
- Bhimavaram Bulls are the pick of the chasing pack and could emerge as a genuine dark horse.
Conclusion: Andhra Premier League 2026 Teams Set for Action!
The Andhra Premier League 2026 features seven competitive franchises making it one of the most anticipated domestic T20 tournaments in India this June.
Defending champions Tungabhadra Warriors and 2025 league leaders Capital Amaravati Royals enter as the frontrunners, while Vijayawada SunShiners and Bhimavaram Bulls are well-placed to challenge.
Rebuilding sides like Royals of Rayalaseema and Simhadri Vizag Lions add intrigue as potential upsets. With 32 matches across 22 days, APL 2026 promises a full season of high-quality regional T20 cricket.
