SRINAGAR: The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins in Bengaluru on Saturday, with defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The tournament, set to run till May 31, will see Royal Challengers start their title defence under new captain Rajat Patidar, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will be led by stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan in the absence of injured Pat Cummins.
The Impact Player rule will continue this season, expected to influence team strategies.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has cancelled the traditional opening ceremony as a mark of respect for 11 fans who died in a stampede during celebrations of Royal Challengers’ title win last year. Officials also announced that 11 seats in the stadium will remain vacant throughout the season in their memory.
