IPL 2018: Mumbai Indians to face Chennai Super Kings in opener
Updated - 15 Feb 2018, 12:06 AM
Defending champions, Mumbai Indians, will take on Chennai Super Kings in the opening contest of Indian Premier League 2018 on April 7.
The opening game of the eleventh edition will be played at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
The final of the tournament will also be played at Wankhede Stadium on May 27.
While CSK will play its opening contest on the first day itself, another comeback franchise viz Rajasthan Royals, will play its first game on April 9 against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
CSK will also be playing the last league stage game of the tournament against Kings XI Punjab in Chennai.
The first qualifier of the tournament will be played on May 22 and the second qualifier will be played on May 25.
The eliminator of IPL will be played on May 23.
In its release, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not mentioned the venues of eliminator and second qualifier.
The main reason for this is the letter written by MCA to BCCI.
The state association wants BCCI to organise two IPL games in Pune as Rising Pune Supergiant ended last year’s tournament as runner-up.
As per the rules, the home ground of the runner-up team hosts two games of playoffs.
The main reason behind BCCI not looking to host games there is that Rising Pune Supergiant franchise is not a part of IPL now.
It, along with Gujarat Lions, came in as a replacement of Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals for two years when CSK and RR were banned.
The apex board will soon make a final decision on the matter where to play these two playoffs.
A total of 56 games will be played at nine venues across the country.
Contrary to what reports had suggested, Delhi Daredevils will not play any contest at Ekana Stadium.
They will play all their contest at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in New Delhi.
Kings XI Punjab, as decided, will play their three of seven home games in Indore.
They will play their first three home games in Indore while last four games in Mohali, their original home ground.
Meanwhile, there is no change in the timings of IPL games.
An evening contest will start at 4:00 PM while a night contest will start at 8:00 PM.
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