Mumbai, Mar 6: Defending champions Chennai Super Kings will face Kolkata Knight Riders in the opening game of the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Wankhede stadium here on March 26.

The BCCI on Sunday announced the schedule of the cash-rich league, which will be played across four venues -- Wankhede Stadium and Cricket Club of India in Mumbai, DY Patil stadium in Navi Mumbai and Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium in Pune.

A total number of 70 league matches and 4 playoff games will be played in the duration of 65 days, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a media release.

There will be 12 double-headers in the tournament and on such days, the first game will be played at 3.30pm and the evening matches will be played at 7.30pm.

The first-double header will be played on March 27 with a day-game at the Brabourne stadium (CCI) where the Delhi Capitals will square off five-time champions Mumbai Indians. Later, DY Patil Stadium will host the clash between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in a night game.

The first match in Pune will be played on March 29 when Sunrisers Hyderabad take on Rajasthan Royals.

It was already announced by the BCCI, that in all, 20 matches each would be held at Wankhede stadium and DY Patil Stadium, while 15 games each would be played at the Brabourne stadium and in Pune.

The final league game will also be played at the Wankhede stadium here on May 22 between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Punjab Kings.

Both the new teams Gujarat Titans and the Lucknow Super Giants play their first match, against each other, at the Wankhede on March 28.

The BCCI said that the schedule for the play-offs and the final to be played on May 29, would be announced later.

Following is the full schedule of the league phase of the 15th edition of the IPL:

The Schedule:

March 26 Chennai Super Kings versus Kolkata Knight Riders Wankhede stadium 7.30 PM

March 27 Delhi Capitals versus Mumbai Indians CCI -3.30 PM

March 27 Punjab Kings versus Royal Challengers Bangalore DY Patil Stadium 7.30 PM

March 28 Gujarat Titans versus Lucknow Super Giants Wankhede Stadium 7.30 PM

March 29 Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Rajasthan Royals MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

March 30 - Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Kolkata Knight Riders DY Patil stadium, 7.30 PM

March 31 Lucknow Super Giants versus Chennai Super Kings CCI 7.30 PM

April 1 Kolkata Knight Riders versus Punjab Kings Wankhede Stadium 7.30 PM

April 2 Mumbai Indians versus Rajasthan Royals DY Patil Stadium 3.30 PM

April 2 Gujarat Titans versus Delhi Capitals MCA Stadium Pune 7.30 PM

April 3 Chennai Super Kings versus Punjab Kings CCI 7.30 PM

April 4 Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Lucknow Super Giants DY Patil stadium 7.30 PM

April 5 Rajasthan Royals versus Royal Challengers Bangalore Wankhede Stadium 7.30 PM

April 6 Kolkata Knight Riders versus Mumbai Indians MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

April 7 Lucknow Super Giants versus Delhi Capitals DY Patil stadium 7.30 PM

April 8 Punjab Kings Gujarat Titans CCI 7.30 PM

April 9 Chennai Super Kings versus Sunrisers Hyderabad DY Patil stadium 3.30 PM

April 9 Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Mumbai Indians MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

April 10 Kolkata Knight Riders versus Delhi Capitals CCI 3.30 PM

April 10 Rajasthan Royals versus Lucknow Super Giants Wankhede 7.30 PM

April 11 Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Gujarat Titans DY Patil Stadium 7.30 PM

April 12 Chennai Super Kings versus Royal Challengers Bangalore DY Patil Stadium 7.30 PM

April 13 Mumbai Indians versus Punjab Kings MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

April 14 Rajasthan Royals versus Gujarat Titans DY Patil Stadium 7.30 PM

April 15 Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Kolkata Knight Riders CCI 7.30 PM

April 16 Mumbai Indians versus Lucknow Super Giants CCI 3.30 PM

April 16 Delhi Capitals versus Royal Challengers Bangalore Wankhede 7.30 PM

April 17 Punjab Kings versus Sunrisers Hyderabad DY Patil Stadium 3.30 PM

April 17 Gujarat Titans versus Chennai Super Kings MCA stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

April 18 Rajasthan Royals versus Kolkata Knight Riders CCI 7.30 PM

April 19 Lucknow Super Giants versus Royal Challengers Bangalore DY Patil Stadium 7.30 PM

April 20 Delhi Capitals versus Punjab Kings MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

April 21 Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings DY Patil Stadium, 7.30 PM

April 22 Delhi Capitals versus Rajasthan Royals MCA Stadium Pune, 7.30 PM

April 23 Kolkata Knight Riders versus Gujarat Titans DY Patil stadium, 3.30 PM

April 23- Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Sunrisers Hyderabad CCI 7.30 PM

April 24 Lucknow Super Giants versus Mumbai Indians Wankhede 7.30 PM

April 25 Punjab Kings versus Chennai Super Kings Wankhede 7.30 PM

April 26 Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Rajasthan Royals MCA Stadium Pune, 7.30 PM

April 27 Gujarat Titans versus Sunrisers Hyderabad Wankhede 7.30 PM

April 28 Delhi Capitals versus Kolkata Knight Riders Wankhede 7.30 PM

April 29 Punjab Kings versus Lucknow Super Giants MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

April 30 Gujarat Titans versus Royal Challengers Bangalore, CCI 3.30 PM

April 30 Rajasthan Royals versus Mumbai Indians DY Patil Stadium, 7.30 PM

May 1 Delhi Capitals versus Lucknow Super Giants Wankhede 3.30 PM

May 1 Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Chennai Super Kings MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

May 2 Kolkata Knight Riders versus Rajasthan Royals Wankhede 7.30 PM

May 3 Gujarat Titans versus Punjab Kings DY Patil Stadium 7.30 PM

May 4 Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Chennai Super Kings MCA Stadium, Pune, 7.30 PM

May 5 Delhi Capitals versus Sunrisers Hyderabad CCI -7.30 PM

May 6 Gujarat Titans versus Mumbai Indians CCI 7.30 PM

May 7 Punjab Kings versus Rajasthan Royals Wankhede 3.30 PM

May 7 Lucknow Super Giants versus Kolkata Knight Riders MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

May 8 Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Royal Challengers Bangalore Wankhede 3.30 PM

May 8 Chennai Super Kings versus Delhi Capitals DY Patil Stadium 7.30 PM

May 9 Mumbai Indians versus Kolkata Knight Riders DY Patil Stadium 7.30 PM

May 10 Lucknow Super Giants versus Gujarat Titans MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

May 11 Rajasthan Royals versus Delhi Capitals DY Patil Stadium, 7.30 PM

May 12 Chennai Super Kings versus Mumbai Indians Wankhede 7.30 PM

May 13 Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Punjab Kings CCI 7.30 PM

May 14 Kolkata Knight Riders versus Sunrisers Hyderabad MCA Stadium, Pune 7.30 PM

May 15 Chennai Super Kings versus Gujarat Titans Wankhede 3.30 PM

May 15 Lucknow Super Giants versus Rajasthan Royals CCI 7.30 PM

May 16 Punjab Kings versus Delhi Capitals DY Patil Stadium, 7.30 PM

May 17 Mumbai Indians versus Sunrisers Hyderabad Wankhede 7.30 PM

May 18 Kolkata Knight Riders versus Lucknow Super Giants DY Patil Stadium, 7.30 PM

May 19 Royal Challengers Bangalore versus Gujarat Titans Wankhede 7.30 PM

May 20 Rajasthan Royals versus Chennai Super Kings CCI 7.30 PM

May 21 Mumbai Indians versus Delhi Capitals Wankhede 7.30 PM

May 22 Sunrisers Hyderabad versus Punjab Kings Wankhede 7.

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Addis Ababa (PTI): India and Ethiopia on Tuesday elevated their historical ties to a strategic partnership, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging talks with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali during which they discussed issues of bilateral and mutual interest.

Modi, who arrived here from Jordan on his maiden bilateral visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the National Palace ahead of the bilateral talks, reflecting the vibrant India-Ethiopia relations rooted in shared history and a promising future.

"We are elevating India and Ethiopia relations to a strategic partnership. This step will provide new energy, new momentum and new depth to our ties," Prime Minister Modi said during the delegation-level talks.

He thanked PM Ali for his support in India's fight against terrorism. "The support of friendly countries in this struggle against terrorism holds great significance," Modi said.

"Today, we got the opportunity to deliberate on the key aspects of our cooperation, such as economy, innovation, technology, defence, health, capacity-building and multilateral cooperation. I am pleased that today, we have decided to double the student scholarship for Ethiopia in India," Modi said.

Modi said that India and Ethiopia have shared contact, dialogue, and exchange for thousands of years. The two countries, which are rich in languages and traditions, are symbols of unity in diversity, he added.

"Both countries are democratic powers committed to peace and the welfare of humanity. We are co-travellers and partners of the Global South. On international platforms, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder," he said.

The two sides signed eight MoUs/agreements, including upgrading ties to 'Strategic Partnership', customs cooperation, establishing data center at the Ethiopian Foreign Ministry, UN Peacekeeping training cooperation, debt restructuring under G20, more ICCR scholarships and AI short courses for Ethiopians, and support for maternal and neonatal healthcare.

Modi said the African Union's headquarters in Ethiopia makes the country a meeting point of African diplomacy. "Inspired by the common vision of an inclusive world, in 2023, India ensured that the African Union became a G20 member," he said.

In 2023, during India’s G20 Presidency, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20.

Modi said that though this is his first visit, he felt a deep sense of belonging and warmth, reflecting the thousands of years of connection between the two countries.

On his part, Prime Minister Ali said the two countries share over thousands of years of connection through trade, diplomacy, education, culture and even in our food and traditions. "These ties continue to shape a deep friendship, collaboration and mutual respect between our people," he said.

"We also appreciate your consistent message that Africa's priorities must lead the partnership. These kinds of dignified, respectful messages for Africa are very important. Mr Prime Minister, keep pushing. That is the type of message we are expecting from all our trusted friends," Ali said.

He said this aligned fully with Ethiopia's development plan - African-owned, African-led, and African-defined.

"Today, we meet with a clear focus to shape a modern partnership, grounded in sovereignty, self-reliance and practical cooperation. Our cooperation is rooted in equality and South-South solidarity," he said.

"Our economy is performing strongly. Last year, we grew 9.2% and this year we are expecting 10.3% GDP growth. Besides GDP growth, our FDI inflow is also rising big time. India is the leading source for our FDI," he said.

"We have more than 615 Indian companies which are investing in Ethiopia. This all gives our cooperation a strong foundation of trust. I think our decision today that we elevate our historic relationship to a strategic relationship is the right decision," he added.

Ethiopia also conferred its highest award - The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia - on PM Modi. He is the first global head of state to receive this award.

Prime Minister Modi also went to the Friendship Park and Friendship Square in Addis Ababa with PM Ali.

In a warm and special gesture, PM Modi was earlier received by his Ethiopian counterpart at the airport and accorded a warm and colourful welcome.

"Ethiopia is a nation with great history and vibrant culture," Modi said.

PM Ali informed his Indian counterpart about the varieties of Ethiopian coffee during informal talks.

"At Addis Ababa airport, took part in a traditional Coffee Ceremony with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The ceremony beautifully highlights Ethiopia’s rich heritage," Modi said.

In a unique gesture, the Ethiopian Prime Minister drove Modi to the hotel.

On the way, he took a special initiative of taking PM Modi to the Science Museum and Friendship Park, which was not in the itinerary.

"Gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali for showing me glimpses of Ethiopian history and culture at the National Palace Museum in Addis Ababa. It was a powerful reminder of Ethiopia’s rich traditions," Modi said in a post on X.

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning Ethiopian PM’s special gestures show remarkable respect for Modi, sources said.

"Thank you Ethiopia for a welcome that was unforgettable. The Indian community showed remarkable warmth and affection. India-Ethiopia friendship is going to get even more robust in the times to come," Modi said.

When Modi arrived at the hotel, he was warmly welcomed by the members of the Indian community. Local artists performed dances. Some of them danced on the theme of the popular Hindi song 'Aisa Des Hai Mera' to welcome him.

On Wednesday, Modi will address the Joint Session of Parliament and share his thoughts on India's journey as the "Mother of Democracy" and the value that the India-Ethiopia partnership can bring to the Global South.

PM Modi arrived in Ethiopia from Jordan, where he held a one-on-one meeting with King Abdullah II at the Husseiniya Palace on Monday before the delegation-level talks.

India and Jordan also inked MoUs in the fields of culture, renewable energy, water management, digital public infrastructure and twinning arrangement between Petra and Ellora, aimed at giving a major boost to bilateral ties and friendship.

From Ethiopia, Modi will visit Oman on the final leg of this three-nation tour.