The start date of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been changed once again. Initially, the tournament was scheduled to begin on March 14. Later, it was postponed by a week to March 21. Now, according to the new schedule, the 18th edition of the IPL will commence on March 22.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the revised start date for the IPL. The full schedule will be released within the next couple of days. Despite the change in the start date, the final will take place on May 25 as previously scheduled.
As per the standard IPL format, the opening match and the final are hosted at the defending champions’ home ground. This tradition continues, with the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, playing the opening match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens on March 22. The final will also be held at the same venue.
Last season’s runners-up, Sunrisers Hyderabad, will play their first match at their home ground. They will face Rajasthan Royals at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on March 23.
The two-day IPL mega auction was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last November. Although 12 Bangladeshi players were listed in the auction, none were sold in the end.
