The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) marks its 18th season, featuring ten teams competing in 74 matches from March 22 to May 25, 2025. The tournament is being held across 13 cities in India, with Kolkata hosting both the opening ceremony and the final, as the Kolkata Knight Riders are the defending champions. Wikipedia+1Cricbuzz+1
Key Highlights of IPL 2025:
- Opening Match: The season commenced with a match between the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. AP News
- New Captains: Several teams have appointed new captains for this season:ESPNcricinfo
- Chennai Super Kings:Cricbuzz+1Al Jazeera+1
- Delhi Capitals:Cricbuzz+1NDTVSports.com+1
- Gujarat Titans:IPL Documents+1Cricbuzz+1
- Kolkata Knight Riders:
- Lucknow Super Giants:IPL Documents
- Mumbai Indians:AP News+3NDTVSports.com+3Cricbuzz+3
- Punjab Kings:Herald Sun+3Cricbuzz+3IPL Documents+3
- Rajasthan Royals:Reuters+1YouTube+1
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad:Reuters+2Cricbuzz+2Al Jazeera+2
- Player Availability: Notable absences at the start of the season include Jasprit Bumrah, who is sidelined due to injury, and Hardik Pandya, who faces suspension. AP News
- Rule Changes: The use of saliva to shine the ball has been reinstated, potentially aiding fast bowlers in generating reverse swing. Additionally, the “Impact Player” rule allows teams to include an extra batter, anticipating higher run totals. Reuters+1The Times of India+1
- Opening Ceremony: The opening ceremony at Eden Gardens featured performances by Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, setting an energetic tone for the season. NDTVSports.com
Upcoming Matches:
The season’s fixtures are as follows:
- March 22, 2025: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.AP News
- March 23, 2025:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Rajasthan Royals at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.Cricbuzz+1IPL Documents+1
- Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.Cricbuzz
- March 24, 2025: Delhi Capitals vs. Lucknow Super Giants at Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam.Cricbuzz
For a comprehensive schedule and updates, visit the official IPL website.
Prize Money:
The IPL 2025 offers substantial prize money, with the champion team receiving ₹20 crore, the runner-up ₹12 crore, and the third-place team ₹8 crore.
Viewing Information:
Matches are broadcast on various sports channels and streaming platforms. Check local listings for specific broadcast details.
IPL 2025 Season Kicks Off with High Expectations
IPL 2025 Schedule
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