The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will kick off on March 22, 2025, with a high-intensity match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has published the full schedule, unveiling key matches, venue information, and playoff dates. There are 65 days of hot T20 action to enjoy, culminating in the May 25 final at Kolkata’s legendary Eden Gardens.
A Grand Opening with Blockbuster Matches
According to convention, the title holders will feature in the opening game. KKR will face RCB in the first game, with the potential for a thrilling beginning. The opening weekend also includes a blockbuster clash between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23. During the same afternoon, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), last year’s runner-up, will confront Rajasthan Royals (RR), keeping it exciting.
Format and Group Structure Unchanged
IPL 2025 will retain its two-group format, which was introduced following the 2022 expansion to a 10-team league. Each team will have a combination of home and away games, providing an equitable balance of matches. The league stage will feature 12 double-headers, keeping fans entertained throughout the tournament.
Multiple Venues to Host Matches
- Dharamsala (3 matches) – Punjab Kings’ secondary home ground
- Guwahati (2 matches) – Rajasthan Royals to host chosen home games
- Visakhapatnam (2 matches) – Delhi Capitals’ temporary home for their first two games
The matches’ distribution over different locations ensures that more fans can enjoy the live-action in the stadiums.
Playoff Venues Announced
The playoffs of the IPL 2025 will be conducted in Hyderabad and Kolkata. The details of the schedule for the knockout matches are as follows:
- Qualifier 1 – May 20 in Hyderabad
- Eliminator – May 21 in Hyderabad
- Qualifier 2 – May 23 in Kolkata
- Final – May 25 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
This choice of venues contributes to the thrill, as Hyderabad and Kolkata both enjoy passionate cricket crowds.
Key Rivalry Matches to Watch Out For
The IPL has always been characterized by fierce rivalries, and the current season is no exception. Some of the most highly-anticipated fixtures are:
- CSK vs MI – A contest between two of the most successful teams
- RCB vs KKR – A high-pressure opening fixture at Eden Gardens
- GT vs RR – A repeat of the 2022 final
- SRH vs PBKS – A explosive showdown between two hard-hitting teams
Countdown Begins for an Thrilling Season
With the schedule now announced, fans can begin to circle their calendars for big matches. The tournament will deliver exciting cricket, superstar action, and memories that will last a lifetime. As teams prepare for the last time, the excitement for IPL 2025 builds further, preparing the stage for another unforgettable season.
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