Alan Border. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Bengaluru: There will be a special kind of IPL debut at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday afternoon. former australian great alan border The competition is set to see its first match when Royal Challengers Bangalore take on Delhi Capitals.Border, as captain of the Australian team, last visited the venue on October 27, 1989, during the World Series – an ODI which India won by three wickets. After more than three decades, the 70-year-old returned as a spectator this time to watch the IPL 2026 spectacle.In India on the invitation of fellow veteran and close friend Sunil GavaskarBorder is also expected to attend matches in Kolkata and Mumbai during his visit.In Bengaluru, the former Australian captain will be hosted by the Karnataka State Cricket Association.The KSCA president and former India fast bowler said, “We are very happy to have the great Allan Border and host him for his first IPL experience. When Sunny Bhai arrived, we told him that it is an honor for us to host Border. It is a wonderful initiative by Sunny Bhai to invite our friend for the IPL experience.” Venkatesh Prasad Told TOI.Border, who reached the city on Friday evening, is accompanied by his son Dene.