The Andhra Premier League (APL) 2026 has wrapped up as one of the biggest editions of the tournament yet, with seven franchises playing 25 matches across Andhra Pradesh from June 9 to June 30, 2026. Bhimavaram Bulls won their maiden title, beating Simhadri Vizag Lions by 10 wickets in the final.
As expected, APL 2026 stayed true to its reputation as one of the most accessible regional T20 leagues in India, with free entry for fans at nearly every match — a rarity among franchise leagues where tickets are typically sold at high prices online.
This guide covers the final result, top performers, venues, teams, and where to catch highlights from the season, along with what to expect heading into APL 2027.
Where to Get Andhra Premier League 2026 Tickets
The Andhra Premier League 2026 offered free stadium entry for the vast majority of matches, as expected. Promotional material from the league had specifically advertised “Free Entry for Fans and Audience” at APL venues, and that held true through the group stage, playoffs, and the final at Mangalagiri — spectators did not need paid tickets to attend.
No official paid ticket booking portal was ever opened for APL 2026, confirming that regular spectators continued to receive free stadium access, consistent with previous seasons.
Fans planning to attend future editions should still check the official Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) and APL social media pages for venue-specific entry instructions closer to the date.
Andhra Premier League 2026 Tournament Overview
The Andhra Premier League has established itself as one of India’s fastest-growing regional T20 competitions. Organised by the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), the tournament provides a valuable platform for emerging Andhra cricketers while giving local fans access to competitive live cricket.
Before planning a stadium visit, here are the key tournament details fans need to know.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Andhra Premier League 2026 |
| Organizer | Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) |
| Format | T20 |
| Teams | 7 |
| Total Matches | 25 (21 League + 4 Playoffs) |
| Start Date | June 9, 2026 |
| Final | June 30, 2026 (Completed) |
| Champion | Bhimavaram Bulls |
| Runner-up | Simhadri Vizag Lions |
| Entry Status | Free for Fans |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Telugu, JioHotstar, FanCode & ACA YouTube Channel |
The tournament has continued to grow each season, attracting stronger squads, larger sponsorships, and increasing fan engagement across the state.
Is Entry Free for Andhra Premier League 2026 Matches?
One of the biggest draws of the APL is its accessibility. Unlike IPL matches that can cost thousands of rupees per ticket, the Andhra Premier League has consistently focused on maximising local attendance by keeping entry free or heavily subsidised.
Recent promotional announcements have specifically promoted free entry for spectators at APL venues in 2026. The table below summarises the current ticket situation across all categories.
| Category | Status |
|---|---|
| General Entry | Expected Free |
| Online Ticket Booking | Not Available Currently |
| Paid Hospitality Boxes | Not Announced |
| Stadium Entry Pass | May Be Required for Some Matches |
| VIP Access | Subject to ACA Guidelines |
While general entry is expected to remain free, fans planning to attend playoff matches, particularly the Final on June 30, should monitor ACA announcements, as high-demand fixtures may require prior registration or an entry pass.
Andhra Premier League 2026 Venues
The 2026 season is expected to feature matches across three major cricket centres in Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam remains the primary and most prominent venue, while Kadapa and Amaravati/Mangalagiri are also set to host matches across the tournament.
| Venue | City |
|---|---|
| Dr. YSR ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium | Visakhapatnam |
| ACA Cricket Ground | Kadapa |
| ACA Stadium | Amaravati / Mangalagiri |
These venues are among the most important cricket centres in the state and have regularly hosted domestic tournaments, ACA developmental events, and inter-district competitions.
Dr. YSR ACA-VDCA Stadium — APL 2026 Marquee Venue
The Dr. YSR ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is expected to remain the flagship venue of the Andhra Premier League. The ground is widely regarded as one of India’s most scenic cricket stadiums, known for its natural coastal surroundings and modern facilities.
The stadium has previously hosted international matches involving India, IPL fixtures, and multiple domestic tournaments, cementing its status as the premier cricket venue of Andhra Pradesh.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Stadium Name | Dr. YSR ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium |
| Location | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh |
| Seating Capacity | ~27,000 |
| Home Association | Andhra Cricket Association |
| Known For | International matches & IPL fixtures |
| Facilities | Modern seating, hospitality areas, practice facilities |
Fans attending matches at Visakhapatnam are advised to arrive early, as this venue draws the largest crowds of the tournament, especially for high-profile fixtures.
Andhra Premier League 2026 Teams
The fifth edition of the Andhra Premier League features seven regional franchises, each representing a distinct city or cricketing region of Andhra Pradesh. The squads combine experienced state-level cricketers with emerging young talent.
| Team | Home Region |
|---|---|
| Capital Amaravati Royals | Amaravati |
| Vijayawada SunShiners | Vijayawada |
| Bhimavaram Bulls | Bhimavaram |
| Kakinada Kings | Kakinada |
| Simhadri Vizag Lions | Visakhapatnam |
| Tungabhadra Warriors | Kurnool Region |
| Royals of Rayalaseema | Rayalaseema |
Defending champions Tungabhadra Warriors and 2025 league-stage leaders Capital Amaravati Royals are expected to draw the biggest crowds throughout the tournament.
Andhra Premier League 2026 Playoff Schedule
The league stage runs from June 9 to June 27, with the top teams advancing to the knockout rounds. The playoff phase typically sees the highest crowd attendance of the season, particularly when popular local franchises are involved.
| Match | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | June 28, 2026 | Bhimavaram Bulls beat Capital Amaravathi Royals by 8 wickets |
| Eliminator | June 28, 2026 | Simhadri Vizag Lions beat Vijayawada SunShiners by 16 runs |
| Qualifier 2 | June 29, 2026 | Simhadri Vizag Lions beat Capital Amaravathi Royals by 57 runs |
| Final | June 30, 2026 | Bhimavaram Bulls beat Simhadri Vizag Lions by 10 wickets |
How to Watch Andhra Premier League 2026 Live
Fans who are unable to attend matches in person can follow the tournament through digital platforms. The Andhra Cricket Association has consistently improved its online accessibility in recent seasons, making it easier for fans across India to follow the league.
| Platform | Coverage |
|---|---|
| ACA YouTube Channel | Live Streaming |
| CricHeroes | Ball-by-Ball Scores |
| APL Team Social Media Pages | Highlights & Updates |
| ACA Official Handles | Match Information & Schedules |
Streaming quality and digital coverage have improved significantly over recent seasons, with live match streams becoming a reliable option for fans outside Andhra Pradesh.
Where to Watch Highlights
While the live season has ended, full match highlights and the final remain available via:
| Platform | Content |
|---|---|
| Star Sports Telugu | Match highlights re-runs |
| JioHotstar | On-demand highlights |
| FanCode | Scorecards & match centre |
| ACA YouTube Channel | Extended highlights packages |
Season 5 Awards
| Award | Winner | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Player of the Season | Ashwin Hebbar | — |
| Orange Cap (Most Runs) | K. Revanth Reddy (Bhimavaram Bulls) | 388 runs |
| Purple Cap (Most Wickets) | Thanneeru Bharath (joint) | 16 wickets |
| Player of the Match, Final | Ch. Ravi Teja | 3/22 |
Runner-up Simhadri Vizag Lions had a strong individual season of their own, Nimmala Himakar finished with 331 runs and Girinath Reddy picked up 15 wickets, including a match-winning 4/36 in Qualifier 2 against Capital Amaravathi Royals that sent the Lions into the final.
Conclusion: Bhimavaram Bulls Crowned Champions of a Fan-Friendly APL 2026
Andhra Premier League 2026 delivered on its promise as one of the most fan-friendly domestic T20 tournaments in India, with free entry for the vast majority of matches throughout the season. Bhimavaram Bulls capped off the campaign with their maiden title, beating Simhadri Vizag Lions by 10 wickets in a one-sided final at Mangalagiri.
With seven competitive franchises playing 25 matches across Visakhapatnam, Kadapa, and Mangalagiri from June 9 to June 30, the season offered no shortage of live cricket for fans across the state, and continued the tournament’s five-year streak of crowning a different champion every season.
Fans looking ahead to APL 2027 should follow the official ACA channels for schedule announcements, auction details, and venue confirmations once the new season is finalized.
