Starting on March 22, a Saturday, the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) promises to be another exciting cricket display. The first game of the season will be the defending champions, as is custom, thereby guaranteeing an intriguing beginning for the season. The widely awaited match this year will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, among the most famous and fervent cricket grounds in India. Having won the IPL crown last season, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will square off against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in front of their home audience in what looks to be a spectacular opener.
KKR will play RCB at Eden Gardens
Kolkata Knight Riders, who emerged triumphant in the 2024 season, will be the season opener’s featured reigning IPL champion. Under the direction of their skipper, the team will want to keep their title as they play a resolute Royal Challengers Bangalore. Setting the tone for the Knights’ title defense will rely much on their home edge. Eden Gardens will surely help both sides shine, given its exciting environment. The highlight of the opening weekend will be this exciting battle, which supporters are much looking forward to—what seems to be a season’s start to remember.
Rajat Patidar leads Royal Challengers Bangalore
Notable change ahead of the next IPL season: Rajat Patidar has been named new captain by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). As RCB prepares to compete for the title, Patidar is expected to provide stability and leadership after a challenging journey in the IPL. RCB’s attack this season will center on Patidar, who is renowned for his aggressive batting and coolness under pressure. Leading his team in the opening game against the reigning champions, he will make the RCB and KKR matchup much more fascinating.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will host Rajasthan Royals
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), the 2024 runner-up, will play their first game at home on Sunday, March 23, following the IPL opener. They will face the Rajasthan Royals in an afternoon encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal. With SRH hoping to capitalize on their outstanding success last season, the game looks to be a high-spirited struggle between two elite teams. Both sides anticipate the game to be challenging as they begin their respective campaigns.
We will soon release the IPL schedule. The release of the IPL schedule is imminent
Fans have been eagerly awaiting the IPL 2025 calendar; while certain dates have been unofficially shared with the teams, the official announcement from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still to arrive. The projected publishing date of the schedule will confirm all the locations. According to sources, the IPL Final will take place on May 25 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, therefore upholding the custom of having the final in the home city of the current winners.
IPL 2025 Start Date Revised
As announced at the Special General Meeting (SGM) on January 12, the IPL was first scheduled to start on March 23. However, broadcasters’ pleas prompted a change in the start date to March 22, allowing the opening match to take place during a prime-time window. The modification was done to fit the programming schedule and guarantee the highest audience for the season opener.
New venues are included in the IPL 2025 schedule
Two more venues—Guwahati and Dharamsala—were added to the list of venues for the 2025 IPL season. Rajasthan Royals chose Guwahati as their second location; hence, it will make its IPL debut. The Royals will play Kolkata Knight Riders and Chennai Super Kings in the opening matches in Guwahati scheduled for March 26 and 30. While Dharamsala keeps hosting home games for Punjab Kings this year, this intriguing addition will give the IPL a new energy.
Key Playoff Sites for IPL 2025
Previously announced, Hyderabad will host the Eliminator this season and Qualifier 1; Qualifier 2 and the Grand Finale will take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. This schedule guarantees that the important playoff games will take place in two famous cities, therefore offering fans the thrills of pivotal knockout stages at two of India’s most famous stadiums.