The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is thrilled to announce the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), branded as TATA IPL 2025, kicking off on March 22, 2025. This electrifying Twenty20 cricket extravaganza will see ten powerhouse teams compete across 74 matches, culminating in a grand finale on May 25, 2025, at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The season launches with a blockbuster opener as defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) face off against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens, setting the stage for two months of high-octane cricket action. Running through May 18 for the league stage, the tournament will span 13 cities across India, including Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Jaipur, before shifting to playoff showdowns in Hyderabad and Kolkata. Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium will host Qualifier 1 on May 20 and the Eliminator on May 21, with Kolkata staging Qualifier 2 on May 23 and the final.
“TATA IPL 2025 promises to be a celebration of cricket like never before,” said BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. “With world-class talent, passionate fans, and venues steeped in history, we’re ready to deliver an unforgettable season that showcases India’s love for the game.”
This year’s IPL follows a proven format: teams are split into two groups—Group A (KKR, RCB, Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Punjab Kings) and Group B (Sunrisers Hyderabad, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants). Each team will play 14 league matches—twice against group mates and a designated rival from the other group, and once against the rest—leading to a fierce playoff race among the top four.
Adding to the excitement, IPL 2025 adopts the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct, aligning with global T20 standards—a shift from its previous bespoke rules. Fans can catch every boundary and wicket live, with JioHotstar streaming digitally in multiple languages and Star Sports Network broadcasting across India. International viewers in Australia, New Zealand, and Bangladesh will also have access via Foxtel, Colours TV, and T Sports HD, respectively.
The season comes hot on the heels of a record-smashing auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on November 24-25, 2024, where Rishabh Pant became the IPL’s priciest player ever at ₹27 crore (US$3.2 million) for Lucknow Super Giants, and Heinrich Klaasen set a new overseas benchmark at ₹23 crore (US$2.6 million) for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Cricket titans like Virat Kohli (RCB), Rohit Sharma (MI), and England’s Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans) will headline a star-studded roster, coached by legends including Ricky Ponting (Punjab Kings) and Rahul Dravid (Rajasthan Royals).
From double-headers starting at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST to nail-biting playoffs, TATA IPL 2025 will light up stadiums and screens nationwide. The BCCI invites fans to join the frenzy as India’s premier cricket festival returns to its home soil, promising thrills, rivalries, and moments that will echo through the sport’s history.
About the IPL
Founded in 2008 by the BCCI, the Indian Premier League is the world’s most lucrative and widely watched T20 cricket league, boasting a brand value of $12 billion (Brand Finance, December 2024). With ten city-based franchises, the IPL unites global talent and Indian passion, contributing significantly to India’s GDP and redefining cricket entertainment.