IPL 2024 schedule of first 21 matches revealed

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has announced a preliminary schedule of first 21 matches which will be played between March 22 and April 7.

Defending champion Chennai Super Kings will be in action against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 22.

The IPL final is slated for May 26, which will give only five days for cricketers to recover for the ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and the Caribbean on June 1.

The remaining fixture details will be announced after the Election Commission of India confirm 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 face Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians will kick off their campaign with an away match against Gujarat Titans.

The Delhi Capitals will not play any games at their home ground, Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla, in the first phase.

Both matches will be held at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam.

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.