The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 will kick-off with a block buster match between defending champions and five-time winners Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Chennai on Friday 22nd March, 2024.

The same is in accordance with the partial schedule that was released for the first two weeks by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in the face of upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in India. As per the governing body of the game, during this two-week period (22nd March to 7th April, 2024) a total of 21 matches will be played across 10 cities, with each of the ten franchise team will play a minimum of three matches and a maximum of five.

The first weekend of the 17th season of IPL will also feature two double headers, beginning with the Punjab Kings (PBK) hosting the Delhi Capitals (DC) on Saturday afternoon, followed by two times former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) hosting the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)  in the evening. On Sunday afternoon (24th March), the action will shift to Jaipur, where the home team Rajasthan Royals (RR), inaugural winners will face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)  followed by the first of the western derby between home team Gujarat Titans (GT), the 2022 champions and finalists of the last season taking on the five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI).

BCCI Honorary Secretary Jay Shah in a statement shared, “As in the past, the BCCI will work closely with government and security agencies, following all necessary protocols and advisories related to the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in India. Once the dates for the 18th Lok Sabha elections are announced, the Board will review and address any issues pertaining to the schedule of the first two weeks. Subsequently, the BCCI will work in tandem with local authorities to finalize the schedule for the remainder of the season, taking into account the polling dates”.

IPL 2024 schedule*