On Saturday, the IPL will finally get underway, though the schedule has changed somewhat from what we saw initially. The game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals is all set to take place, but before that, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to kick-start the final innings of the 2025 season.
There were talks about restricting tournaments to very few cities to reduce travel, but therefore six cities are allowed to host games, including Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Delhi. It pains a little that Hyderabad, Chennai, or Kolkata does not conduct any matches, though.
KKR has completed all their home games, but as the defending champions, they were supposed to be hosts for some playoff matches, including the final. However, it seems the BCCI is scared that weather in Chennai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata gets so bad that these playoff matches might get moved to Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Punjab Kings shall carry on with their home games in Jaipur for now, while Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) will consider Delhi as their home for the last time. The Delhi Capitals still have three games, two away and one at home, so that will guarantee a few matches being held in the capital, even if a few of them are neutral.
Here’s a look at teams whose home matches have been shifted:
Punjab Kings’ remaining matches (all in Jaipur)
| Date | Opponent | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 18 | Rajasthan Royals | 3:30 PM | Jaipur |
| May 24 | Delhi Capitals | 7:30 PM | Home |
| May 26 | Mumbai Indians | 7:30 PM | Home |
Chennai Super Kings’ remaining matches
| Date | Opponent | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 20 | Rajasthan Royals | 7:30 PM | Home (Delhi) |
| May 25 | Gujarat Titans | 3:30 PM | Ahmedabad |
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s remaining matches
| Date | Opponent | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19 | Lucknow Super Giants | 7:30 PM | Lucknow |
| May 25 | Kolkata Knight Riders | 7:30 PM | Home (Delhi) |
