The forthcoming 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is scheduled to commence on March 22. The inaugural match will showcase the defending champions in their home venue, with Eden Gardens in Kolkata hosting the opening fixture between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), according to a report in Cricbuzz.
RCB on Thursday announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain ahead of the forthcoming season.
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Previous season's runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad will start their campaign at home too. They will face Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal on March 23, the report indicated.
The comprehensive IPL schedule has been keenly awaited, though the BCCI hasn't formally released the fixtures. Unofficially, the board has reportedly shared crucial match dates with the franchises. Sources indicate the final will maintain tradition, occurring in the defending champions' city, with Eden Gardens hosting the championship match on May 25.
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As previously confirmed, Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator will occur in Hyderabad, whilst Qualifier 2 and the final will take place in Kolkata.
Following the January 12 Special General Meeting in Mumbai, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla had suggested the IPL would begin on March 23, however, the BCCI has modified these dates. Sources reveal broadcasters requested a Saturday start, which the board accommodated. The complete schedule is anticipated within days.
Beyond the 10 primary venues - Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mullanpur, Delhi, and Jaipur alongside Kolkata and Hyderabad - this season's venues will include Guwahati and Dharamsala.
Guwahati enters the IPL circuit immediately with Rajasthan Royals, who selected the NorthEast city as their secondary venue, playing there on March 26 and 30. Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings will compete against the Royals in evening fixtures at Guwahati.
Like last year, Dharamsala will host a few Punjab Kings home matches. Reports suggest the Himachal venue might secure three fixtures this season.
