IPL to make a comeback in Vizag with two matches
The Hindu
IPL 2024 returns to Visakhapatnam after 5 years, with DC playing two matches at Dr. YSR ACA VDCA Stadium.
Cricket lovers from Visakhapatnam who witnessed the thrilling test matches between India and England only two weeks ago will continue to rejoice as the Indian Premier League (IPL) makes a comeback in the coastal city after long wait of five years.
IPL 2024 is about to kickstart on March 22 in Chennai. The schedule for the first 21 matches was released on Thursday evening by the BCCI, wherein it was confirmed that the scenic Dr. YSR ACA VDCA Stadium will host two matches, acting as a second home for the Delhi Capitals (DC) franchise.
As per the schedule, the first match, between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), will be held on March 31, and the second match, a face-off between DC and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will be held on April 3. Both are going to be day-and-night (D/N) matches.
The authorities expect the two matches, especially the one between DC and CSK on the weekend, to draw a huge crowd.
The city hosted its last IPL match in 2019. Surprisingly, the last IPL match was a ‘qualifier’ between DC and CSK on May 10, 2019.
Secretary of Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), S.R. Gopinath Reddy, thanked the Secretary of BCCI, Jay Shah, and other members of the BCCI for the opportunity. He said that the ACA has been trying to get IPL matches to Vizag since the last few years.
While the assurance had come from the BCCI last year, two months back, the management of the DC had arrived in Vizag and had conducted a survey, he said.