Fifth season of IPL to commence on April 4

The fifth edition of the highly popular Indian Premier League (IPL) will begin on April 4 next year and conclude on May 27, the BCCI announced on Monday.

The tournament will feature 74 matches, over a period of 54 days.

"We are happy to confirm the opening and closing dates of IPL 2012, ten months in advance. The match-schedule will be announced soon. We have no doubt that the fifth season of IPL will be as, if not more, eventful and exciting than the previous ones," IPL Chairman Chirayu Amin said in a statement.

Chennai Super Kings had won the fourth edition after beating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final.