Vida Kovai Kings won the tenth Tamil Nadu Premier League on 28 August 2026, beating Madurai Panthers in the final at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, for their third title, Khel Now reported. The Kings’ B Sachin finished as the season’s top run-scorer with 428 runs in ten games, and teammate K Deeban Lingesh took the most wickets, 17 in nine games.
The TNPL is the state’s T20 league run by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). It began on 16 August 2016 with MS Dhoni at the launch, ThePrint noted, and has since become the main route by which district cricketers reach IPL scouts. Chennai’s own side is the Chepauk Super Gillies, and the city hosts the business end of the season.
How the 2026 season was laid out
The tenth edition followed a two-city plan announced by the TNCA, DT Next reported:
| Phase | Venue | Dates (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| League, first leg | Natham, Dindigul | 4 to 15 August |
| Rest days | None | 16 and 17 August |
| League, second leg | MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai | 18 to 22 August |
| Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 | Chennai | 23, 24 and 26 August |
| Final | MA Chidambaram Stadium | 28 August |
The schedule packed in 22 double-header days. YouTube was the digital streaming partner, and for the first time commentary ran in Tamil, English and Hindi, TNCA president TJ Srinivasaraj said at the season launch. He also said every district would get a fair share of matches over time.
Chepauk Super Gillies: Chennai’s team
The Gillies are the league’s most decorated side from its early years. They won the 2017 title, beat Dindigul Dragons by 12 runs at Chepauk in the 2019 final, and edged Ruby Trichy Warriors by 8 runs on 15 August 2021 for a third title.
In 2026 they were in the hunt for most of the league. After 20 games, they sat second on six points and were the only team to have beaten leaders Madurai Panthers, while India and Chennai wicketkeeper-batter Narayan Jagadeesan was second in the run charts with 301, DT Next reported. The final was contested by Kovai and Madurai.
Recent champions
The trophy has moved around the state in recent seasons. In 2025, Tiruppur Tamizhans beat defending champions Dindigul Dragons by 118 runs in the final at the NPR College Ground in Dindigul, bowling them out for 102, CricTracker reported. In 2026 it went to Coimbatore’s franchise. For Chennai fans, that means the Gillies’ last outright title remains 2021.
The league’s value goes beyond trophies. It has been a showcase for district players who would otherwise struggle to be seen. T Natarajan took ten wickets in seven matches for Dindigul Dragons in the very first season, went on to play IPL cricket for Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad, and made his India debut in 2020, ThePrint recalled. In 2026, NS Chaturved set the fastest century in TNPL history during the Dindigul leg. Players such as these are why IPL scouts watch the Chepauk games closely.
Watching TNPL games in Chennai
- Venue. Chennai games are at Chepauk. Use Chepauk or Chintadripet MRTS stations, or the Government Estate metro station on the Blue Line, and walk.
- Tickets. TNPL tickets are sold through the league’s official ticketing partner each season, and prices are far lower than IPL games. We could not open an official price list for 2026, so check the TNPL and TNCA social media handles before the season.
- Timing. Double-headers usually mean an afternoon and an evening match. Evening games end late, so plan your trip home.
- At home. Matches stream free on YouTube; the league has also had a TV partner in past seasons.
A women’s TNPL next?
The TNCA has said a franchise-style women’s league is one of its priorities. As a first step, it staged a women’s exhibition match at Chepauk on 25 August 2026, during the men’s knockouts, in which the TNCA President’s XI beat the Secretary’s XI by three wickets. Srinivasaraj has said a franchise event could follow in 2027 if the talent and quality are right. No dates have been fixed.
Quick answers
Who won TNPL 2026?
Vida Kovai Kings, who beat Madurai Panthers in the final at Chepauk on 28 August 2026.
How many titles have Chepauk Super Gillies won?
They won outright in 2017, 2019 and 2021. The 2021 win was reported as their third title.
Where are TNPL matches played in Chennai?
At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, which hosted the second league leg, the playoffs and the 2026 final.
Can I watch TNPL for free?
Yes, online. YouTube was the 2026 streaming partner.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
Sources
- Tiruppur to face Dindigul in TNPL 2026 opener (DT Next)
- Women’s TNPL will soon be reality: TNCA president (DT Next)
- TNPL 2026: race to playoffs, Orange Cap, Purple Cap (DT Next)
- TNPL 2026 team of the tournament (Khel Now)
- TNPL 2021 final review (CricTracker)
- TNPL 2019 final (CricTracker)
- TNPL 2025 final: Tiruppur Tamizhans clinch title (CricTracker)
- Tamil Nadu still stuck at maybe on women’s cricket (ThePrint)
