CSK, KKR set to lock horns in IPL 2022 opener
Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening match of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, starting March 26 at Wankhede. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule on Sunday. A total of 70 games will be played across 58 days. Meanwhile, the itinerary for the playoffs is yet to be out.
Full schedule of IPL 2022
First double-header on March 27
A day after the blockbuster CSK-KKR clash, the IPL 2022 will see its first double-header. Delhi Capitals will take on Mumbai Indians in the afternoon clash at Brabourne, while the DY Patil Stadium will host the evening clash between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals will square off at the MCA Stadium in Pune on March 29.
A look at the key details
A total of 12 double-headers are scheduled to take place (Afternoon: 3:30 PM, Evening: 7:30 PM). As per the schedule, the final game of the League stage will be played between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings on May 22 at Wankhede. The schedule for the playoffs and the final will be announced later. Notably, the final will take place on May 29.
Mumbai and Pune to host all matches
The BCCI had earlier announced that Mumbai and Pune will host the entire IPL 2022 season. The Wankhede Stadium and the DY Patil Stadium will host 20 matches each, while 15 matches each will be held at the Brabourne Stadium and the MCA Stadium.
IPL 2022 to be a 10-team affair
The 15th edition of the IPL will be a 10-team affair. Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants are the two new teams. Interestingly, the BCCI has found a perfect way to restrain the league to 14 games per side during the group stage by using a scheduling matrix. The new format is inspired by the 2011 season when 10 teams featured in the tournament.
When will the new-comers play their first games?
New-comers Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants will play their debut games on March 28. They will square off at the Wankhede Stadium (7:30 PM IST). LSG will take on KKR in their final league game, while GT will face RCB (final game).
