Jan. 10: With the IPL-4 having 10 teams, there was a fear that teams would end up playing more matches than in the past. But the IPL Governing Council has stuck to the 14-match formula, albeit with a difference.
In the past three editions, each team would play seven matches at home and seven away, but in the new format they play five home-and-away matches, host only two teams at home and play against the remaining two only on away basis. A random draw was used to decide who plays whom how many times, and where.
In this format, Deccan Chargers will play 10 home-and-away matches against the Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, Pune, Delhi Daredevils and the Kolkata Knight Riders.
Of the remaining four teams, they will host Royal Challengers and Rajasthan Royals at home, and will go to Chennai and Kochi for their clashes against Chennai Super Kings and Kochi.