The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, marking the 18th edition of this celebrated T20 cricket tournament, is scheduled from March 22 to May 25, 2025. The tournament will feature 74 matches across 13 venues in India.
Teams and Groupings
Ten teams will compete, divided into two groups:
- Group A:
- Chennai Super Kings
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Rajasthan Royals
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru
- Punjab Kings
- Group B:
- Mumbai Indians
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Gujarat Titans
- Delhi Capitals
- Lucknow Super Giants
Tournament Format
Each team will play 14 matches in the group stage:
- Twice against teams within their group.
- Twice against the team in the same row of the opposite group.
- Once against the remaining four teams from the other group.
The top four teams based on points will qualify for the playoffs, which include:
- Qualifier 1: Top two teams compete; the winner advances to the final.
- Eliminator: Third and fourth-placed teams compete; the loser is eliminated.
- Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 faces the winner of the Eliminator; the winner advances to the final.
Key Dates and Venues
- Opening Match: March 22, 2025, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- Playoffs:
- Qualifier 1 and Eliminator: Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad, on May 20 and 21, respectively.
- Qualifier 2 and Final: Eden Gardens, Kolkata, on May 23 and 25, respectively.
Match Timings
- Afternoon Matches: Start at 3:30 PM IST.
- Evening Matches: Start at 7:30 PM IST.
Broadcasting and Live Streaming
In India, matches will be broadcast on Star Sports, with digital streaming available on JioHotstar. Internationally, platforms like Sky Sports (UK), Fox Sports (Australia), and Willow TV (USA) will provide coverage. Fans can also use VPN services to access streams from different regions.
Notable Player Movements
- Rishabh Pant: Acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a record $3.21 million and appointed as captain, replacing KL Rahul.
- Shreyas Iyer: Purchased by Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore, setting an IPL record.
- Jos Buttler: Acquired by Gujarat Titans for $1.81 million, the highest for a foreign player.
Injuries and Replacements
- Jasprit Bumrah: Mumbai Indians’ pacer missing the start due to injury.
- Hardik Pandya: Unavailable at the beginning due to suspension.
- Brydon Carse: Ruled out; Sunrisers Hyderabad signed Wiaan Mulder as replacement.
Emerging Talents
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi: 13-year-old prodigy joining Rajasthan Royals, drawing significant attention.
Rule Changes
From the 2025 season, the IPL will adhere to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct regulations for T20 matches, replacing its previous code.
Complete Match Schedule
For a detailed list of fixtures, including dates, venues, and match timings, refer to the official IPL website.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 promises thrilling cricketing action, showcasing top international and domestic talents. Fans can look forward to intense rivalries, emerging stars, and memorable moments throughout the tournament.
Recent Updates on IPL 2025
