Indian Premier League 2018: Kings XI Punjab Announce Change Of Home Fixtures

Kings XI Punjab cited logistical difficulties on Tuesday while announcing a change in their upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) home schedule with the first three matches now shifted to the Mohali stadium here before capping it off with four matches at Indore. The side was originally slated to play their initial matches at Indore but logistical difficulties forced a change in the calendar, according to a statement from the franchise. "It is unfortunate that the dates had to be shuffled so late in the day," Kings XI Punjab CEO Satish Menon said. 

"However, external difficulties always have to be worked around. Despite the unforeseen circumstances, we're excited by the prospect of starting off in Mohali. At the end of the day, both venues are home to us," he added.

According to the new changes, Mohali's I.S. Bindra Stadium will now host KXIP's first home match against Delhi Daredevils on April 8 before hosting Chennai Super Kings on April 15 and Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 19. Meanwhile, Pune will host the Eliminator and Qualifier 2 on 23rd and 25th May respectively.

Indore fans will now get to witness four matches instead of three with the Kings playing Mumbai Indians on May 4, Rajasthan Royals (May 6), Kolkata Knight Riders (May 12) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (May 14), respectively.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians will host Chennai Super Kings in the IPL season 11 opener at the Wankhede Stadium on April 7. The 11th edition of the world's most popular and competitive T20 tournament will be played at nine venues across 51 days.

The upcoming edition will feature 12 matches that will be played at 4:00 PM IST and 48 matches will start at 8:00 PM IST.

The much-anticipated final between the winner of Qualifier 1 and the winner of Qualifier 2 will be played at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, May 27, 2018.

(With IANS Inputs)