IPL 2024 Schedule Announced | CSK to meet RCB on March 22
The cricketing drama is about to kick off with a bang as defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) gear up to host Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the opening match of the IPL 2024 on March 22. The clash will take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium, promising a thrilling start to the much-awaited tournament.
Partial Schedule Released: IPL Schedule announced
Excitement reached its peak when the IPL unveiled a partial schedule comprising the initial 21 matches set to unfold between March 22 and April 7. However, fans will have to wait a bit longer for the complete schedule, as the dates for India’s general elections, slated for April and May, are yet to be disclosed by the Election Commission of India.
March 22 to April 7 Fixture Highlights
Let’s take a quick glance at the lineup of matches from March 22 to April 7:
- March 22: CSK vs RCB in Chennai
- March 23: PBKS vs DC in Mullanpur, KKR vs SRH in Kolkata
- March 24: RR vs LSG in Jaipur, GT vs MI in Ahmedabad
- March 25: RCB vs PBKS in Bengaluru
- March 26: CSK vs GT in Chennai
- March 27: SRH vs MI in Hyderabad
- March 28: RR vs DC in Jaipur
- March 29: RCB vs KKR in Bengaluru
- March 30: LSG vs PBKS in Lucknow
- March 31: GT vs SRH in Ahmedabad, DC vs CSK in Visakhapatnam
- April 1: MI vs RR in Mumbai
- April 2: RCB vs LSG in Bengaluru
- April 3: DC vs KKR in Visakhapatnam
- April 4: GT vs PBKS in Ahmedabad
- April 5: SRH vs CSK in Hyderabad
- April 6: RR vs RCB in Jaipur
- April 7: MI vs DC in Mumbai, LSG vs GT in Lucknow
Match Timings
The opening match on March 22 will commence at 8pm IST, with subsequent matches following the usual routine: 7.30pm IST for evening games and 3.30pm IST for early games on double-header days.
Double-Headers Galore
Fans can relish four double-header fixtures in the initial schedule, including two thrilling clashes on the opening weekend itself. On March 23, Punjab Kings will take on Delhi Capitals, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders hosting Sunrisers Hyderabad. The excitement continues on March 24, with Rajasthan Royals locking horns with Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians facing off against Gujarat Titans.
Unique Venues and Engaging Encounters
Interestingly, Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans will face the challenge of back-to-back matches with just a day’s break. After their initial games, Punjab Kings will set on a journey to Bengaluru to face RCB, while Titans will swiftly travel to Chennai to tackle CSK.
In the afternoon of Sunday’s doubleheader, the Rajasthan Royals take on the Lucknow Super Giants, while the Gujarat Titans, last year’s runners-up, take on the Mumbai Indians, five-time champions. This means that the recently appointed MI captain will play against Shubman Gill, a former colleague.
Venue Shifts and Player Comebacks
Delhi Capitals, Titans, and RCB will show their power away from home turf, with Capitals opting for the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam due to venue preparation constraints at Feroz Shah Kotla. Moreover, cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the return of stalwarts like MS Dhoni, who is set to lead CSK once again this season, and Hardik Pandya, who will don the captain’s hat for Mumbai Indians.
Final Word:
With a jam-packed schedule, intriguing matchups, and the return of cricketing legends, IPL 2024 promises to be a spectacle that fans across India eagerly anticipate. As the cricketing carnival unfolds, expect nothing short of exhilarating moments and nail-biting encounters that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the tournament. Stay tuned for more updates as the IPL action starts on the cricketing field!
