New Delhi, March 20 -- The wait is almost over. Domestic cricket's biggest extravaganza is set for a return this week. Indian Premier League (IPL) holders Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will kickstart their title defence on Friday. MS Dhoni's Yellow Brigade will host Virat Kohli-starrer Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the curtain-raiser of the cash-rich league at the famous MA Chidambaram Stadium. Instead of runners-up taking on champions, the IPL opener will be headlined by two of the finest players in the history of the game - Dhoni and Kohli.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) released a partial schedule featuring 21 matches of the new season from March 22 to April 7. The final of the IPL 2024 will be played on May 26 - ...