New Delhi [India], Feb 15: IPL defending champions and three time champion Mumbai Indians and the returning team Chennai Super Kings will kick off the 2018 edition of the Indian Premier League on April 7 in Mumbai at the Wankhede Stadium, it was announced on Wednesday (February 14). The final will be played at the same venue on May 27. Except for Kings XI Punjab, the other teams will get to play all seven of their home games at their traditional venues. Kings XI are scheduled to play three of their home games against Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Daredevils in Indore with the other four games in Mohali.

The first double header will be held on April 8 with Delhi Daredevils hosting Kings XI Punjab in the first game, followed by a clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Eden Gardens. Rajasthan Royals, also making their return after a two-year suspension, will play their first game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9. The Jaipur-based outfit's first home game, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, will be against Delhi Daredevils on April 11. The Wankhede Stadium will also host the first qualifier on May 22, whereas the venues for the eliminator and the second qualifier on May 23 and 25 respectively are yet to be announced. There was speculation regarding a change in match timings for the upcoming season, but that has been laid to rest with the usual timings being retained.