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

The fixtures for the 11th edition of the Indian Premier League were announced on Wednesday with defending champions Mumbai Indians hosting two-time winners Chennai Super Kings in a bumper opening tie at the Wankhede Stadium on April 7.

Significantly, matches will be played at the tried and tested 8 pm slot while double-headers during weekends will have games at 4 pm and 8 pm respectively. IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla had last month said that broadcaster Star Sports had requested a 7 pm start on weekdays and 5:30 pm and 7 pm slots for double-headers.

The idea was met with opposition from two franchises and there was no surprise 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.