IPL 2024 Schedule: CSK to Face RCB in Opening Match as Fixtures for Initial 15 Days Announced

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 kicks off its action-packed schedule on March 22, with the first 15 days of fixtures already announced by the organizers. Reigning champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will commence their title defense against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai, marking the ninth occasion that CSK has opened an IPL season.

A total of 21 matches are slated for this initial period, promising cricket enthusiasts an exhilarating start to the tournament. The second day of IPL 2024 will feature a thrilling double-header, with the Punjab Kings hosting the Delhi Capitals (DC), and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) welcoming Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the iconic Eden Gardens.

The excitement continues with another captivating double-header, headlined by Hardik Pandya leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) back to Ahmedabad for the evening match, while the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) clash earlier in the afternoon fixture at 3:30 PM.

Interestingly, DC’s home matches will not be played in Delhi for the initial two weeks of the tournament. Instead, the Capitals’ first two home games will be hosted in Vizag, adding a unique twist to the IPL 2024 schedule.

Schedule Announcement Delayed Due to Lok Sabha Elections

The announcement of the schedule for the 17th edition of the IPL has been delayed due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India, expected to be held in April and May. An official statement from Dhumal indicated that only the schedule for the first 15 days would be announced initially, with the remaining fixtures to be determined after the election dates are revealed.

Dhumal stated to PTI that the tournament is likely to commence on March 22, with close collaboration with government agencies to ensure a smooth process. Unlike previous editions held partially or entirely abroad due to election schedules, the entire IPL 2024 season is planned to take place within India.

SEE ALSO: Shami Ruled Out of IPL 2024, Eyes Return via BGT 2024-25

Notably, past tournaments in 2009 were hosted entirely in South Africa, and the 2014 edition saw partial matches held in the UAE due to election conflicts. Despite similar challenges in 2019, the IPL continued in India alongside the elections. Reports suggest that the final match is slated for May 26, just preceding the commencement of the T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June 1.

IPL 2024 schedule:

Match	Date	Time (IST)
CSK vs RCB	March 22	7:30 pm
PBKS vs DC	March 23	3:30 pm
KKR vs SRH	March 23	7:30 pm
RR vs LSG	March 24	3:30 pm
GT vs MI	March 24	7:30 pm
RCB vs PBKS	March 25	7:30 pm
CSK vs GT	March 26	7:30 pm
SRH vs MI	March 27	7:30 pm
RR vs DC	March 28	7:30 pm
RCB vs KKR	March 29	7:30 pm
LSG vs PBKS	March 30	7:30 pm
GT vs SRH	March 31	3:30 pm
DC vs CSK	March 31	7:30 pm
MI vs RR	April 1	7:30 pm
RCB vs LSG	April 2	7:30 pm
DC vs KKR	April 3	7:30 pm
GT vs PBKS	April 4	7:30 pm
SRH vs CSK	April 5	7:30 pm
RR vs RCB	April 6	7:30 pm
MI vs DC	April 7	3:30 pm
LSG vs GT	April 7	7:30 pm