Mumbai: The eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League would begin with a bang on April 7, with the defending champions Mumbai Indians hosting a returning Chennai Super Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The final too will be played at the same venue on May 27.
April 8 would see the first double-header of the tournament when Delhi Daredevils would host the Kings XI Punjab in the first match, which would be followed by the Kolkata Knight Riders taking on the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Eden Gardens.
Rajasthan Royals, who too like Chennai are making a comeback to the tournament would kick-off their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9. Royals, who would have Shane Warne as their mentor would play their first home match against the Delhi Daredevils on April 11.
All the other teams barring Kings XI Punjab would play all their seven home matches at their traditional venues. The Preity Zinta co-owned side would play three of their home matches- (against Chennai Super Kings on April 15, against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 19 and against Delhi Daredevils on April 23) at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. The would play their other three home games in Mohali.
The Wankhede Stadium too would host the first qualifier on May 22 with the eliminator and the second qualifier on May 23 and 25-the venues for which are yet to be decided.
Also, all speculations regarding the change of time have been put to rest with all the matches being scheduled to play at the same time.