CSK to take on RCB in IPL opener on March 23

New Delhi, February 19

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opening encounter of the 12th Indian Premier League for which a provisional two-week schedule was announced by BCCI today.

The opening game has been scheduled for March 23 in Chennai, BCCI announced in its schedule comprising 17 games. The IPL will be off to an earlier-than-usual start this year owing to the General Elections, dates of which are yet to be announced. Any change in the provisional itinerary — from March 23 to April 5 — will be revised accordingly.

On March 24, Kolkata Knight Riders will host Sunrisers Hyderabad in the afternoon encounter of a double-header in which Mumbai Indians will take on Delhi Capitals in Mumbai. Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab will meet  in Jaipur to complete the first round of games. A total of 17 matches will be played during this two-week phase across the eight home venues of the respective franchises. — PTI

IPL (March 23-April 5)

March 23: CSK vs RCB (Chennai); March 24: KKR vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Kolkata); Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals (Mumbai); March 25: Rajasthan Royals vs KXIP (Jaipur); March 26: Delhi Capitals vs CSK (Delhi); March 27: KKR vs KXIP (Kolkata); March 28: RCB vs MI (Bengaluru); March 29: Sunrisers vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad); March 30: KXIP vs MI (Mohali); Delhi Capitals vs KKR (Delhi); March 31: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs RCB (Hyderabad); CSK vs Rajasthan Royals (Chennai); April 1: KXIP vs Delhi Capitals (Mohali); April 2: Rajasthan Royals vs RCB (Jaipur); April 3: MI vs CSK (Mumbai); April 4: Delhi Capitals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (Delhi); April 5: RCB vs KKR (Bengaluru)