IPL 2019: IPL releases schedule for first two weeks, CSK to face RCB in opener

The BCCI announced the schedule for the first two weeks of Season 12 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Tuesday. Defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK), led by MS Dhoni, will face Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the season opener on March 23 in Chennai. (ALSO READ: IPL 2019 to be held in India, will begin on March 23: BCCI)

According to a statement released by the IPL, the schedule, which consists of 17 matches, are still subject to the announcement of the Lok Sabha 2019 election dates.

“Once these have been released, BCCI will address any issues with the first two weeks and will also prepare a schedule for the remainder of the season working with the local authorities around the polling dates,” the IPL said in a statement.

“This is still subject to the announcement of Lok Sabha 2019 election dates. Once the election dates are released, we will address any issues with the first two weeks and also prepare a schedule for the remainder of the season working with the local authorities around the polling dates.” (ALSO READ: This IPL I will be monitoring the players, keeping the World Cup in mind: Ravi Shastri)

The BCCI had decided to bring the IPL forward keeping in mind the ICC World Cup 2019. In addition to this, a major challenge for the franchises would be the availability of the overseas players specially with the league concluding two weeks before the World Cup which begins on May 30. As a result, the availability of the foreign players till the end of the league is still unclear.

Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have been the most successful teams in the league, having won the title three times.

Here is the full schedule: