Srinagar: The Indian Premier League (IPL) management has unveiled a schedule featuring the first set of 21 matches of IPL 2024 scheduled between March 22 and April 7.
The inaugural match of IPL 2024, on March 22, will witness defending champions Chennai Super Kings hosting Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The IPL final is slated for May 26, with a mere five-day gap preceding the commencement of the men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean on June 1.
The remaining fixture details will be disclosed once the Election Commission of India announces the dates for the national elections, anticipated in April and May.
The initial schedule includes four double-headers, with two on the opening weekend. On March 23, Punjab Kings will face Delhi Capitals in the day match at home, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens.
On March 24, Rajasthan Royals will confront Lucknow Super Giants, while Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians will kick off their campaign with an away match against Gujarat Titans, his former team.
Notably, the Capitals will not play any games at their home ground, Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla, during the March 22-April 7 period. Both matches will be held at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.
During this 17-day window, Capitals, Titans, and RCB are scheduled to play five of their 14 matches, while KKR will play only three matches. Other franchises have been allocated four games each. Punjab Kings are likely to play their home games at a new venue in Mullanpur on the outskirts of Chandigarh instead of their traditional home in Mohali.