The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to commence on March 22, 2025, with a thrilling opening match between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This season promises to deliver high-octane cricketing action, featuring 10 teams competing across 74 matches in 13 venues over a span of 65 days. citeturn0news8Eden Gardens, renowned for its electrifying atmosphere, will not only host the inaugural match but also the grand finale on May 25, 2025. This marks the third occasion the stadium has been chosen for the IPL final, having previously hosted in 2013 and 2015. citeturn0news8The tournament’s structure includes 13 double-header days, with afternoon matches starting at 3:30 PM local time and evening games at 7:30 PM IST. In a strategic move to expand the league’s footprint, three franchises will play their home games across two venues:
- Delhi Capitals: In addition to their primary home ground, they will host matches in Visakhapatnam.
- Rajasthan Royals: Alongside Jaipur, Guwahati will serve as their secondary venue.
- Punjab Kings: Their home fixtures will be split between New Chandigarh and Dharamsala.
The opening weekend is packed with exciting matchups. On March 23, fans can look forward to a double-header featuring Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals in an afternoon clash in Hyderabad, followed by a marquee evening showdown between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. citeturn0search0 As the season progresses, the playoff stages are scheduled as follows: Qualifier 1 on May 20 and the Eliminator on May 21 will take place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Subsequently, Qualifier 2 on May 23 and the final on May 25 will be hosted at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. citeturn0search1 This season also witnesses notable player movements and leadership changes. Rishabh Pant, previously with Delhi Capitals, has been named captain of Lucknow Super Giants, marking a significant shift in team dynamics. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer has taken over the captaincy of Punjab Kings, bringing his experience and leadership skills to the forefront. citeturn0search9 With the schedule now unveiled, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. The IPL 2025 promises a blend of intense rivalries, emerging talents, and unforgettable moments, reaffirming its status as a premier event in the cricketing calendar.
