The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to kick off tomorrow at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM IST, marking the start of the two-month-long tournament that will run until the 31st of May.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru begin their title defence at home under new captain Rajat Patidar. Sunrisers Hyderabad will be led by stand-in captain Ishan Kishan, who takes the reins after Australian pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out with an injury. The Impact Player rule, which continues this season, is also expected to influence team strategies.
In a departure from the league’s usual high-octane pageantry, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cancelled the traditional opening ceremony. The decision serves as a mark of respect for the 11 fans who died in a stampede outside the venue during RCB’s title celebrations in June. Officials confirmed that 11 seats will remain permanently vacant at the stadium this season as a memorial.
Must Read
- Advertisement -
