Mumbai, Feb. 17 -- The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) yesterday announced the fixtures for the much awaited 18th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL).

As per the schedule, the premier tournament will kickstart with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Mar. 22 (Saturday).

Chennai Super Kings will host Mumbai Indians in a blockbuster clash in the opening weekend on Mar. 23 (Sunday), while previous season's runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad will face Rajasthan Royals on Mar. 23 afternoon at Hyderabad. The 18th edition of IPL will end on May 25 with the final scheduled to take place at Eden Gardens.

This year's fixture includes 12 double-heade...