Chennai, Bengaluru lock horns in IPL 2024 opener

Defending champions Chennai Super Kings host Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening game of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which kicks off on Friday.

Bengaluru re-start their quest for a maiden IPL title, while five-time winners Chennai are playing under a new captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who replaced MS Dhoni.

The opening match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is scheduled to start at 6:30 pm UAE time.

The tournament, which features 10 teams, will be split into two halves due to India's general elections. The first segment will see 21 matches played over 17 days until April 7. The schedule for the remainder of the league is yet to be released. 

Overall, 74 matches will be played throughout the tournament, including the play-offs and the final, which is scheduled for May 26.

The M.A. Chidambaram stadium is ready to host the #TATAIPL 2024 opener 🏟

💛 @ChennaiIPL 🆚 @RCBTweets ❤

⏰ 8 PM IST
💻 https://t.co/4n69KTTxCB
📱 Official IPL App#CSKvRCB pic.twitter.com/bGz3DDdh4h

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 22, 2024