In an exciting update for cricket enthusiasts, the complete schedule for IPL 2024 has been unveiled, with Chennai set to host the final match on May 26. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has strategically planned the tournament, taking into account the concurrent Lok Sabha elections.

IPL 2024

Chennai, the defending champions’ stronghold, has been awarded the honor of hosting the final game, as per tradition. Additionally, the city will witness the second qualifier on May 24. This decision aligns with Chennai Super Kings’ status as the title-holders, granting them the privilege of hosting both the opening and final matches of the tournament.

The tournament commenced on March 22, with the initial schedule covering the first two weeks and 21 matches. However, the recent announcement sheds light on the remaining fixtures, ensuring a seamless integration with the polling dates and venues for the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections across the nation.

Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium will play a pivotal role, hosting the two marquee play-off matches on May 21 and 22. The spotlight will then shift to Chennai for the Qualifier 2 and the grand final. The electrifying atmosphere of the iconic Chepauk stadium awaits cricket fans as they witness the climax of IPL 2024.

The scheduling intricacies also consider the logistical aspects for various teams. Delhi Capitals, for instance, will transition to their home base after playing initial matches elsewhere. Similarly, Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals have planned their home campaigns across multiple venues, offering fans across different regions a chance to experience the IPL fever firsthand.

For Chennai Super Kings’ loyal supporters, the prospect of witnessing their beloved team clinch victory on home turf adds an extra layer of excitement. Speculations abound regarding Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s potential farewell on the grand stage, fueling anticipation among fans.

As the tournament progresses, each match promises exhilarating moments, showcasing the pinnacle of cricketing talent. Stay tuned as IPL 2024 unfolds, bringing unparalleled entertainment and fervor to cricket aficionados worldwide.

In a thrilling encounter at the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal in Nagpur, Karun Nair’s masterful innings propelled Vidarbha to a commanding position against Karnataka. With a total of 460 all out, Vidarbha showcased their batting prowess, leaving Karnataka with a daunting task ahead.

The third day of the quarterfinal witnessed Vidarbha resuming their innings at 261 for three, with a solid foundation laid by Atharva Taide and Yash Rathod. However, it was Karun Nair‘s sublime knock of 90 runs that stole the show. Nair’s resilience, coupled with crucial partnerships with his teammates, guided Vidarbha to a formidable first-innings total.

Despite the valiant efforts of Karnataka’s bowlers, notably Vidwath Kaverappa who claimed four wickets, Vidarbha’s batting lineup proved resilient. Nair’s partnership with Aditya Sarwate further bolstered Vidarbha’s innings, with Sarwate contributing 26 runs before falling victim to Kaverappa’s bowling prowess. However, it was Nair’s dismissal, agonizingly close to his 19th first-class century, that marked a significant breakthrough for Karnataka.

In response, Karnataka faced an uphill battle as they took to the crease, trailing by 362 runs. While the early loss of skipper Mayank Agarwal posed a setback, opener Ravikumar Samarth and KV Aneesh steadied the ship with a crucial partnership of 59 runs. Yet, the dismissal of Aneesh by Yash Thakur added pressure to Karnataka’s innings, leaving them with a challenging task ahead.

As the match progresses, Vidarbha finds themselves in a commanding position with a substantial lead over Karnataka. With the momentum firmly in their favor, Vidarbha aims to capitalize on their advantage and secure a spot in the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy.

Brief Scores: Vidarbha 460 (Atharva Taide 109, Yash Rathod 93, Karun Nair 90; Vidwath Kaverappa 4

The Aegis South Zone tournament in Bengaluru was struck by tragedy as Karnataka cricketer Hoysala K, aged 34, succumbed to a sudden cardiac arrest. The competition, brimming with excitement between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, took a solemn turn with the unexpected loss of this talented player.

After the intense match against Tamil Nadu, Hoysala joined his teammates for dinner when he suddenly collapsed due to a heart attack. Despite swift medical intervention on-site, including emergency treatment by attending physicians, Hoysala could not be revived. He was swiftly transported to Bowring Hospital, but tragically, doctors pronounced him deceased upon arrival. The news sent shockwaves through the cricketing fraternity, with players, supporters, and officials mourning the untimely departure of this gifted cricketer.

Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka’s Minister of Health & Family Welfare, conveyed his condolences via social media, stating, “Deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of Karnataka’s emerging cricketer, fast bowler K. Hoysala, during the Aegis South Zone Tournament. My heartfelt sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Instances like these underscore the imperative of health awareness, particularly regarding cardiac health.”

Hoysala K, renowned for his prowess as a fast bowler, had previously showcased his talents with teams like Bellary Tuskers and Shivamogga Lion in the Karnataka Premier League, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s cricketing scene. His sudden departure has left a palpable void within the cricketing community.

In the pivotal match against Tamil Nadu, Hoysala played a pivotal role in Karnataka’s triumph, contributing both with the bat and the ball. His thirteen runs off thirteen balls coupled with the crucial wicket of Tamil Nadu’s opener, P. Parveen Kumar, were instrumental in securing a nail-biting victory for Karnataka. Defending a modest total of 173 runs, Karnataka clinched the win by a mere run, showcasing Hoysala’s invaluable contributions to the team’s success.