The schedule for the initial 21 matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been announced. IPL 2024 is set to commence on March 22nd. Over a span of 17 days, 21 matches will be played across 10 cities. The inaugural match of IPL 2024 will feature Mahendra Singh Dhoni's Chennai Super Kings against Faf du Plessis' Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22nd at 8:00 PM. The opening contest will take place at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. According to the released schedule, cricket fans can expect a total of four double-headers during these 17 days. A double-header implies two matches played in a single day, with evening matches starting at 7:30 PM and afternoon matches at 3:30 PM.

During the initial 17 days, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Delhi Capitals (DC), and Gujarat Titans (GT) will play the most matches, each participating in 5 matches. On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play four matches each. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will participate in only three matches.

A notable aspect of this schedule is that Rishabh Pant's Delhi Capitals will play their opening home game in Visakhapatnam. However, the home matches for other teams will be held at their respective home grounds. It seems that matches in Delhi might have been avoided due to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Highlights of the initial schedule:
Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore on March 22nd in Chennai at 8:00 PM IST.
Punjab Kings vs. Delhi Capitals on March 23rd in Mohali at 3:30 PM IST.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23rd in Kolkata at 7:30 PM IST.
Rajasthan Royals vs. Lucknow Super Giants on March 24th in Jaipur at 3:30 PM IST.
Gujarat Titans vs. Mumbai Indians on March 24th in Ahmedabad at 7:30 PM IST.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Punjab Kings on March 25th in Bangalore at 7:30 PM IST.
Chennai Super Kings vs. Gujarat Titans on March 26th in Chennai at 7:30 PM IST.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Mumbai Indians on March 27th in Hyderabad at 7:30 PM IST.
Rajasthan Royals vs. Delhi Capitals on March 28th in Jaipur at 7:30 PM IST.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Kolkata Knight Riders on March 29th in Bangalore at 7:30 PM IST.
Lucknow Super Giants vs. Punjab Kings on March 30th in Lucknow at 7:30 PM IST.
Gujarat Titans vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 31st in Ahmedabad at 3:30 PM IST.
Delhi Capitals vs. Chennai Super Kings on March 31st in Vizag at 7:30 PM IST.
Mumbai Indians vs. Rajasthan Royals on April 1st in Mumbai at 7:30 PM IST.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Lucknow Super Giants on April 2nd in Bangalore at 7:30 PM IST.
Delhi Capitals vs. Kolkata Knight Riders on April 3rd in Vizag at 7:30 PM IST.
Gujarat Titans vs. Punjab Kings on April 4th in Ahmedabad at 7:30 PM IST.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Chennai Super Kings on April 5th in Hyderabad at 7:30 PM IST.
Rajasthan Royals vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 6th in Jaipur at 7:30 PM IST.
Mumbai Indians vs. Delhi Capitals on April 7th in Mumbai at 3:30 PM IST.
Lucknow Super Giants vs. Gujarat Titans on April 7th in Lucknow at 7:30 PM IST.

The remaining schedule for IPL matches will be announced after the announcement of the general election dates. According to the BCCI, they will work in collaboration with the government and security agencies to adhere to all necessary protocols and guidelines related to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. After the announcement of the dates for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, the board will review any issues related to the schedule of the remaining 21 matches and address them accordingly. Following this, the BCCI will work with local authorities to finalize the schedule for the remaining season, taking into account the voting dates.

IPL 2024 will follow a format similar to the 2023 season, comprising 74 matches. While the previous IPL lasted for 60 days, IPL 2024 could extend up to 67 days due to the general elections. A similar approach was taken during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections when the IPL schedule was split into two parts. The IPL final is expected to be held on May 26th.

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