The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to commence on March 22, 2025, and will conclude on May 25, 2025. This 18th edition of the tournament will feature ten teams competing across 74 matches in various venues throughout India. The defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), will kick off the season.
Tournament Structure:
The IPL 2025 will maintain its traditional format, with each team playing against every other team twice—once at home and once away—during the group stage. The top four teams based on points will advance to the playoffs, which include Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final. The playoffs are scheduled to be held up to May 25, 2025, with Qualifier 1 and Eliminator at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad, and Qualifier 2 and the Final at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Teams and Groups:
The ten participating teams are divided into two groups:
- Group A:
- Mumbai Indians
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Rajasthan Royals
- Delhi Capitals
- Lucknow Super Giants
- Group B:
- Chennai Super Kings
- Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Punjab Kings
- Gujarat Titans
Each team will play twice against teams in their group and the team in the same row in the other group, and once against the remaining four teams in the other group.
Notable Updates:
- Player Retention and Auction: The BCCI has increased the auction purse for each team from ₹100 crore to ₹120 crore, allowing franchises more flexibility in assembling their squads. The player retention rules have been updated, enabling teams to retain a set number of core players while ensuring a competitive auction pool.
- Broadcasting Rights: Disney Star’s Star Sports and Viacom18’s JioCinema had initially acquired the satellite and digital broadcasting rights for the 2023–2027 IPL cycle. In November 2024, the two companies merged to form JioStar. In February 2025, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar merged to form JioHotstar, which now holds the domestic digital broadcasting rights for the remainder of the 2023–2027 cycle.
Key Matches to Watch:
- Opening Match: The season opener will feature the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, setting the tone for the tournament.
- Group Stage Clashes: Traditional rivalries such as Mumbai Indians vs. Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore vs. Kolkata Knight Riders are expected to draw significant attention.
- Playoff Deciders: Matches towards the end of the group stage will be crucial in determining the playoff contenders, with teams vying for the top four spots.
As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to high-energy matches, emerging talents, and strategic gameplay that have become synonymous with the IPL. For the most current updates, including detailed match schedules and venues, refer to official IPL announcements and reputable sports news outlets.
