IPL 2022: When does the Indian Premier League T20 start, how to watch, UK time, and latest odds

This year’s edition of the Indian Premier League is set to get underway next Saturday.

The hugely popular T20 tournament pits 10 star-studded sides against each other in a round robin competition that culminates in a knockout tussle for the trophy itself.

Last year’s IPL was delayed as a result of rising Covid rates in India, but was played to its conclusion in October, with Chennai Super Kings beating Kolkata Knight Riders by 27 runs in the final to secure their fourth title.

With the competition now in its 15th iteration, we’ve gathered up all the information you need to know ahead of next weekend’s curtain-raiser.

When does the IPL 2022 begin?

The IPL will start on Saturday March 26th, with last year’s finalists, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, getting the action underway.

All matches will start at 3pm UK time.

When does the IPL 2022 end?

The IPL will run for a little over two months, with the final scheduled for May 29th.

Games will be played daily, with the entire group stage set to be held between Mumbai and Pune in the the state of Maharashtra.

Who will be taking part in the IPL 2022?

For only the second time ever, the tournament has been expanded to include 10 teams. The last time the competition had more than eight sides was back in 2011.

The two new franchises who will be participating in the year’s event are the Lucknow Super Giants and the Gujurat Titans.

They’ll join Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Who are the favourites to win the IPL 2022?

The full list of odds on who will be the outright winners of the this years IPL, as per SkyBet, are as follows:

- Mumbai Indians - 4/1

- Delhi Capitals - 5/1

- Royal Challengers Bangalore - 6/1

- Chennai Super Kings - 7/1

- Kolkata Knight Riders - 8/1

- Punjab Kings - 8/1

- Rajasthan Royals - 8/1

- Lucknow Super Giants - 10/1

- Gujarat Titans - 12/1

- Sunrisers Hyderabad - 16/1

How can I watch the IPL 2022?

The entirety of this year’s tournament will be broadcast live in the UK by Sky Sports.

Who are the ones to watch?

As always, the IPL attracts a stacked roster of talent from both India and abroad, with February’s auction deciding who will be representing who this season.

As per the rules of the competition, each existing team was allowed to retain a maximum of four players, while the two new franchises were allowed to pick a maximum of three players before the auction took place.

The most expensive buy of auction came from Mumbai Indians, who picked up opener Ishan Kishan for around £1.5 million.

The costliest foreign player was England’s Liam Livingstone, who joined Punjab Kings for a little over £1.1 million.

Elsewhere, all eyes are likely to be on Royal Challengers Bangalore bowler Harshal Patel, who took 32 wickets in 2021, while last year’s leading run-scorer, Ruturaj Gaikwad looks set to be a threat with the bat for Chennai Super Kings.

One notable absentee from the tournament will be England talisman Ben Stokes, who opted out of February’s mega-auction, and will not be taking part.

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