The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to return for its 18th season in 2025, promising another exhilarating chapter in cricket's most celebrated T20 tournament. In a fitting start to the tournament, two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will host Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens for the season opener. As fans across India and around the world prepare for two months of high-octane cricket, here's everything you need to know about IPL 2025.
Grand Opening Ceremony
The IPL 2025 season will kick off with a dazzling opening ceremony on March 22 at Kolkata’s iconic Eden Gardens, ahead of the Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru clash. Set to begin at 6:00 PM IST, the 25-minute spectacle promises a star-studded lineup, featuring Bollywood heartthrobs Varun Dhawan and Shraddha Kapoor, alongside Arijit Singh.
Where to Watch IPL 2025 Matches in India?
Fans can catch the live action on Star Sports Network, with streaming available via the JioHotstar app for premium subscribers.
Which Team Are Favourites to Win IPL 2025?
Mumbai Indians: With five championships to their name, the Mumbai Indians remain perennial contenders. Their well-balanced squad and experienced management make them frontrunners once again.
Chennai Super Kings: Chennai Super Kings have consistently made it to the playoffs and have one of the most loyal fanbases. Their experience in high-pressure situations, and the presence of a veteran like MS Dhoni, gives them an edge.
Know Everything About IPL 2025 Format
With ten teams competing in a round-robin format followed by playoffs, IPL 2025 will feature 74 matches across various venues in India, spanning over two months. Each team will play 14 matches in the league stage. Matches will be held across 13 cities in India, with Kolkata’s Eden Gardens hosting both the opening match and the final.
Auction Highlights
The mega auction, held on November 24–25, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, saw record-breaking bids, with Rishabh Pant being sold to Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore, the highest-ever IPL auction price.
New Rules & Regulations for IPL 2025
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rolled out a series of new regulations for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Under the new rules, family members and friends of players and support staff are barred from entering dressing rooms on both match days and practice sessions, a significant shift from previous seasons. Spectators in this category are restricted to hospitality areas during practice. Additionally, players must now travel exclusively via team buses for all sessions and matches, ending the flexibility of personal transport arrangements.
