IPL 2024 Schedule Released: Opening 21 Matches Announced, Chennai to Face RCB in Inaugural Encounter
The schedule for the 17th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was unveiled on Thursday, February 22. The defending champions, Chennai Super Kings, will kick off the proceedings in the first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). This inaugural clash will take place at their home ground, the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, on March 22. It marks the ninth time that the Chennai team will play the opening match of an IPL season, having done so previously in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023.
The Delhi Capitals will commence their campaign with two matches in Visakhapatnam. Since the final of the Women’s Premier League will be held in Delhi, the venue will require time for preparations following the conclusion of that event. Hence, Delhi’s initial fixtures will be hosted in Visakhapatnam. The full schedule for the IPL has not been finalized due to the upcoming general elections in the country. Currently, the program for 17 days is available, with the remaining matches to be scheduled after the announcement of the Lok Sabha election dates.
Doubleheaders in the First Week
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated, “During the two-week period, 21 matches will be played across 10 cities, with each team playing a minimum of three and a maximum of five matches. The first weekend will feature doubleheaders, starting with Punjab Kings hosting Delhi Capitals on Saturday afternoon, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad in the evening. On Sunday afternoon, Rajasthan Royals will face Lucknow Super Giants in Jaipur, while Gujarat Titans will take on five-time champions Mumbai Indians in the evening.”
The committee highlighted its commitment to cooperating with government and security bodies, following all required guidelines and recommendations for the forthcoming general elections.Once the dates for the 18th Lok Sabha elections are announced, the board will review any issues related to the first two weeks’ schedule and address them accordingly. Subsequently, in coordination with local authorities, the final schedule for the remaining sessions will be determined, taking into account the polling dates.
Entire IPL to Be Held in India
IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal had previously stated that the entire tournament would be hosted in India. The IPL was played entirely overseas (South Africa) only once in 2009, and some matches were held in the UAE in 2014 due to the general elections. However, despite the general elections in 2019, the tournament was successfully hosted in India.
Schedule of the Opening 21 Matches of IPL 2024
| Match | Date | Teams | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 22 | CSK vs RCB | Chennai |
| 2 | March 23 | PBKS vs DC | Mohali |
| 3 | March 23 | KKR vs SRH | Kolkata |
| 4 | March 24 | RR vs LSG | Jaipur |
| 5 | March 24 | GT vs MI | Ahmedabad |
| 6 | March 25 | RCB vs PBKS | Bengaluru |
| 7 | March 26 | CSK vs GT | Chennai |
| 8 | March 27 | SRH vs MI | Hyderabad |
| 9 | March 28 | RR vs DC | Jaipur |
| 10 | March 29 | RCB vs KKR | Bengaluru |
| 11 | March 30 | LSG vs PBKS | Lucknow |
| 12 | March 31 | GT vs SRH | Ahmedabad |
| 13 | March 31 | DC vs CSK | Visakhapatnam |
| 14 | April 1 | MI vs RR | Mumbai |
| 15 | April 2 | RCB vs LSG | Bengaluru |
| 16 | April 3 | DC vs KKR | Visakhapatnam |
| 17 | April 4 | GT vs PBKS | Ahmedabad |
| 18 | April 5 | SRH vs CSK | Hyderabad |
| 19 | April 6 | RR vs RCB | Jaipur |
| 20 | April 7 | MI vs DC | Mumbai |
| 21 | April 7 | LSG vs GT | Lucknow |
This comprehensive schedule sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season of IPL cricket, eagerly anticipated by fans across the globe.
The IPL 2024 schedule release marks the beginning of the cricketing season with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) set to face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the opening match at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 22. This announcement sets the stage for an exciting series of matches, featuring a blend of cricketing powerhouses and emerging talents. The early release of the schedule for the initial 21 matches, despite the upcoming general elections, highlights the league’s adaptability and the organizers’ commitment to delivering thrilling cricket action. Fans are eagerly awaiting the complete schedule, which will unfold a full season of high-octane cricketing entertainment across India.