The eagerly awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 is just around the corner, with fans buzzing in anticipation of the cricketing extravaganza. However, this year comes with a unique twist in the scheduling, as the Indian Cricket Board has unveiled the itinerary for only the first 17 day of the tournament.
The complete schedule is contingent upon the confirmation of Lok Sabha election dates by the Election Commission of India. This strategic move by the board aims to avoid potential clashes between IPL matches and the Lok Sabha elections. It also ensures a smooth and uninterrupted cricket spectacle for fans nationwide. With the election dates yet to be officially announced, the board has chosen a cautious approach, allowing flexibility in the latter half of the IPL schedule.
Opening Match: Chennai Super Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
The excitement starts on March 22 with a high-octane clash between defending champions Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. The iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai will set the stage for the opening encounter, promising a thrilling start to the tournament.
The MS Dhoni-led five-time champions would look to give their skipper a memorable farewell with another title triumph. The first game will kick off at 8:00 p.m. IST. In the first four days, all 10 teams will play their inaugural matches. On day 2 of the tournament, the Punjab Kings will take on the Delhi Capitals in a day game. Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in an evening match.
On Sunday, March 24, the Rajasthan Royals will take on the Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur at 3:30 PM IST. The Gujarat Titans will face the Mumbai Indians in their first game on the same day in Ahmedabad. It’s worth noting that all-day games will kick off at 3:30 PM IST, while evening matches will start at 7:30 PM IST. Meanwhile, the Delhi Capitals will also play their first two home games in Vizag instead of Delhi.
In the first phase, there will be four doubleheaders. It’s worth noting that the Indian Cricket Board has announced the schedule for the first 21 matches. The remaining schedule will be released by the second week of March after the Election Commission of India reveals the dates for Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
Here is the full schedule:
Skyexch
