The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket will kick off in Bengaluru this evening. In the opening match, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. The match is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM Indian Standard Time. The two-month-long tournament will continue until May 31st.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their title defence at home under new captain Rajat Patidar. Sunrisers Hyderabad will be led by stand-in captain Ishan Kishan, who takes charge after Australian pacer Pat Cummins was ruled out due to injury. The Impact Player rule, continuing this season, is expected to play a key role in team strategies.
Meanwhile, in a departure from the league's usual high-octane atmosphere, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has cancelled the traditional opening ceremony. This decision is a mark of respect for the 11 fans who lost their lives in a stampede outside the stadium during celebrations of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's title win last June. Officials have also announced that 11 seats at the stadium will remain permanently vacant this season in memory.
