The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will now kick off on March 21, 2025, in Kolkata, a week later than previously announced. The iconic Eden Gardens will host both the opening match and the final, slated for May 25, 2025, as per the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Schedule Adjustment and Reasons for Delay
The initial schedule announced on November 22, 2024, had the tournament starting on March 14 and running through May 25. However, the revised timeline reflects a slight delay attributed to the proximity of the Champions Trophy final, set for March 9. While there are rumors that broadcasters requested the shift to allow more time post-Champions Trophy, sources within the network have denied making such a request.
Host Cities for Key Matches
- Kolkata, home to the reigning IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders, will host both the season opener and the grand finale, adhering to the IPL tradition of recognizing the defending champions.
- SunRisers Hyderabad, last season’s runners-up, are slated to host two of the playoff matches.
The BCCI is expected to release the full IPL schedule soon, following the election of Devjit Saikia as secretary and Prabhtej Singh Bhatia as treasurer during a Special General Meeting in Mumbai on January 12, 2025.
BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla announced that:
- The Champions Trophy squad will be unveiled on January 17 or 18.
- Venues for the upcoming Women’s Premier League (WPL) have been finalized and will be disclosed shortly.
With the 18th IPL season on the horizon, fans can look forward to another thrilling chapter in cricket’s most celebrated T20 league.