RCB's first tie against KKR, IPL to stick to old timings

Bengaluru: The fixtures for the 11th series of the Indian Premier League were announced on Wednesday with defending champions Mumbai Indians facilitating two-time victors Chennai Super Kings in a guard opening tie at the Wankhede Stadium on April 7.

Essentially, matches will be played at the tried and tested 8 pm opening while twofold headers amid ends of the week will have games at 4 pm and 8 pm separately. IPL director Rajeev Shukla had a month ago said that broadcaster Star Sports had asked for a 7 pm start on weekdays and 5:30 pm and 7 pm start for double headers.

The thought was met with resistance from two franchises and there was nothing unexpected why it didn’t change.

Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore will kick-off their campaign in Eden Gardens against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 8. The three-time runners-up will play their first home game on April 13.

RCB schedule: Home: April 13: vs Kings XI Punjab; April 15: vs Rajasthan Royals (4 pm); April 25:vs Chennai Super Kings; April 29: vs Kolkata Knight Riders; May 1: vs Mumbai Indians; May 12: vs Delhi Daredevils; May 17: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Away: April 8: vs Kolkata Knight Riders; April 17: vs Mumbai Indians; April 21: vs Delhi Daredevils; May 5: vs Chennai Super Kings (4 pm); May 7: vs Sunrisers Hyderabad; May 14: vs Kings XI Punjab;May 19: vs Rajasthan Royals (4 pm).

Note: Matches scheduled to start at 8 pm unless mentioned.