IPL 2018: Tournament dates announced, change in match timings

The eleventh edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will see major changes in the scheduling of games and their timings, with afternoon games set to overlap with the ones in the evening.

As has always been the case, the opening game of the T20 tournament will be held in the home city of the previous year's winning franchise. The opener will be held in Mumbai on April 6th, a day after the opening ceremony that will be held in the same city. The final will also be played out in Mumbai.

“IPL 11 to begin on 6th April 2018 with opening ceremony in Mumbai and first match on 7th April in Mumbai, the final on 27th May will also be in Mumbai,” said Rajeev Shukla, Commissioner of the IPL, confirming the dates of the event.

It has also been confirmed that there could be a change in timings of the matches, with afternoon games to be held as late as 5:30 pm and evening matches to start an hour early at 7 pm.

"The Broadcasters requested for a change in timings and IPL governing council in principal has accepted it," Shukla added.

Doubts on the home venues of Kings XI Punjab certain teams was also lifted, with the announcement that the franchise will play four home games in Mohali and three in Indore.

However, the ruling on whether Rajasthan Royals will get their home ground back in Jaipur still depends on the hearing of the Rajasthan High Court, set to be held on January 24.

The IPL broadcast is also undergoing a major overhaul this time, with Star India, the new broadcasters, having chalked out a six-month window for the event. With multiple channels to choose from, fans will have the option of choosing which match to watch when afternoon and evening games overlap.