The anticipation for the IPL 2024 season is building up as the initial schedule for the tournament has been released. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings are set to clash with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 22. The tournament’s partial schedule covers the first 21 matches from March 22 to April 7, with the IPL final expected on May 26.

Interestingly, a tight schedule is in play, with just five days between the IPL final and the opening match of the men’s T20 World Cup scheduled in the USA and the Caribbean from June 1. The second half of the IPL 2024 schedule will be finalized once the Election Commission of India announces the dates for the national elections, expected in April and May.

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The released schedule includes four double-headers, with two on the opening weekend. Punjab Kings will host Delhi Capitals on March 23, followed by Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens. On March 24, Rajasthan Royals will face Lucknow Super Giants, while Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, will play an away game against Gujarat Titans, his former team.

Notably, Delhi Capitals won’t play any games at their home ground, Feroz Shah Kotla, during the March 22-April 7 period. Both of their matches will be held at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. This decision stems from the Delhi and District Cricket Association expressing concerns about the time needed to prepare the venue after hosting 11 Women’s Premier League matches until March 17.

KKR is slated to play only three matches, while other franchises will play four. Punjab Kings might play their home games at a new venue in Mullanpur, on the outskirts of Chandigarh. The opening day of the tournament will mark MS Dhoni’s return to action after undergoing knee surgery post the previous season.

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MS Dhoni, who led CSK to victory over Titans in a rain-affected final, hasn’t played competitive cricket since. The upcoming IPL season will feature Hardik Pandya’s return to Mumbai Indians, this time as captain. Rishabh Pant is also set to make a comeback after recovering from a car accident in December 2022. With a total of 74 games, including four playoff matches, IPL 2024 promises an action-packed season for cricket enthusiasts.