IPL 2024: Why are Delhi Capitals playing in Visakhapatnam instead of their home ground?

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the schedule for first 21 IPL 2024 games on February 22. The tournament is set to kick off on March 22, with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. 

One notable thing in the schedule is that Delhi Capitals would play their first two home games of the season at the Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam instead of the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, leaving many confused as to why the team is not playing at their designaed home ground.

Also read: IPL 2024 Schedule

Notably, Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi will be hosting the second leg of Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, including the Eliminator and Final on March 15 and 17 respectively. The tournament will commence on Friday, February 23.

Given the short duration between the WPL's end and IPL's start, the pitches in the Arun Jaitley Stadium will need time to be prepared. After the two home matches in Vizag are finished, Delhi Capitals will play the remainder of their matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Capitals kick off IPL 2024 against Punjab Kings

Speaking of the IPL 2024, Delhi Capitals kick off their IPL campaign by taking on Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on March 23. The franchise had a forgettable season in 2023, crashing out of the tournament’s group stages after subpar showings throughout the season. Capitals finished the IPL 2023 in ninth place in the standings with just 10 points in 14 matches as they managed to win only five games.

Also read: IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals (DC) Schedule 2024