The Twenty20 carnival that is the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just few hours away from entering it's 11th season, and this edition promises to be every bit as engrossing as any other, if not more. The biggest talking point ahead of the tournament that kicks off on 7 April is the return of two former champions back into its fold. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals, who were suspended for two seasons after some of their key personnel were found guilty of corruption, have had a major impact on the league over the years both in terms of their performances as well as in their fan following, and their return will only boost the league's viewership and attendances.
A total of 56 matches will be played in the league stage, which will then be followed by two qualifiers and an eliminator (22, 23 and 25 May), followed by the final on 27 May at the Wankhede Stadium.
IPL 2018, 1st Week schedule:
Match 1, 7 April 2018 at 8 pm, Mumbai: Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings
Match 2, 8 April 2018 at 4 pm, Delhi: Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab
Match 3, 8 April 2018 at 8 pm, Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Match 4, 9 April 2018 at 8 pm, Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals
Match 5, 10 April 2018 at 8 pm, Chennai: Chennai Super Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders
Match 6, 11 April 2018 at 8 pm, Jaipur: Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Daredevils
Match 7, 12 April 2018 at 8 pm, Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians
Match 8, 13 April 2018 at 8 pm, Bengaluru: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab
