The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to captivate cricket fans worldwide with its 18th edition, promising high-octane matches, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Scheduled to run from March 22 to May 25, 2025, the tournament will feature 10 teams competing in 74 matches across 13 iconic venues in India. The season will start with a blockbuster clash between the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the historic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The same venue will also host the grand finale on May 25, marking its third time as the IPL final host.
IPL 2025 Schedule
The IPL 2025 season has exciting features and innovations to enhance the viewer experience. Here are some of the key highlights:
- Tournament Duration: March 22 – May 25, 2025
- Total Matches: 74
- Number of Teams: 10
- Venues: 13 stadiums across India
- Opening Match: KKR vs RCB at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Final Match: May 25 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Double-Headers: 13 days with matches at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST
- Playoffs: Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and Final
IPL 2025 Schedule: Match Fixtures
The tournament will begin on March 22, 2025, with the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. The opening match is expected to set the tone for the season, with both teams boasting star-studded lineups. Below is a detailed snapshot of the key fixtures:
| Match No. | Date | Fixture | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | March 22, Sat | KKR vs RCB | 7:30 PM | Kolkata |
| 2 | March 23, Sun | SRH vs RR | 3:30 PM | Hyderabad |
| 3 | March 23, Sun | CSK vs MI | 7:30 PM | Chennai |
| 4 | March 24, Mon | DC vs LSG | 7:30 PM | Visakhapatnam |
| 5 | March 25, Tue | GT vs PBKS | 7:30 PM | Ahmedabad |
| 6 | March 26, Wed | RR vs KKR | 7:30 PM | Guwahati |
| 7 | March 27, Thu | SRH vs LSG | 7:30 PM | Hyderabad |
| 8 | March 28, Fri | CSK vs RCB | 7:30 PM | Chennai |
| 9 | March 29, Sat | GT vs MI | 7:30 PM | Ahmedabad |
| 10 | March 30, Sun | DC vs SRH | 3:30 PM | Visakhapatnam |
Fans can refer to the official IPL website or broadcasting platforms for the schedule.
Teams and Group Composition
The 10 teams have been divided into two groups for the league stage. Each team will play twice against the teams in their group and once against most teams from the other group, except for one designated opponent. This format ensures a balanced and competitive league stage.
Group A:
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Punjab Kings (PBKS)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Group B:
- Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
The top four teams from the league stage will advance to the playoffs, which include Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final.
Venues for IPL 2025
The tournament will be hosted across 13 stadiums in India, each offering fans a unique atmosphere and experience. Some teams will split their home games between two venues, adding variety to the tournament.
List of Stadiums:
- M. A. Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai)
- Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad)
- Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
- Arun Jaitley Stadium (New Delhi)
- BRSABV Ekana Stadium (Lucknow)
- Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)
- Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium (New Chandigarh)
- Sawai Mansingh Stadium (Jaipur)
- M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru)
- Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (Hyderabad)
- HPCA Stadium (Dharamsala)
- Barsapara Cricket Stadium (Guwahati)
- Visakhapatnam
Teams with Dual Home Venues:
- Delhi Capitals: Visakhapatnam and New Delhi
- Rajasthan Royals: Guwahati and Jaipur
- Punjab Kings: New Chandigarh and Dharamsala
The final will be played at Eden Gardens, while Hyderabad will host Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator.
Match Timings and Double-Headers
The IPL 2025 season will feature afternoon and evening matches to cater to fans across different time zones.
- Afternoon Matches: 3:30 PM IST
- Evening Matches: 7:30 PM IST
The tournament will also include 13 double-header days, where two matches will be played on the same day. The first doubleheader will take place on March 23, 2025, with:
- Afternoon Match: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Rajasthan Royals at 3:30 PM IST
- Evening Match: Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians at 7:30 PM IST
Double-headers are a treat for fans, offering back-to-back cricketing action and ensuring there’s never a dull moment during the tournament.
Where to Watch IPL 2025?
The IPL 2025 matches will be broadcast live on Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, and Sports 18 1. The matches will be available on JioCinema and Hotstar for fans who prefer streaming. These platforms will provide comprehensive coverage, including pre-match analysis, live commentary, and post-match discussions.
Playoffs and Final
The playoffs will follow the league stage, with the top four teams competing for the coveted IPL trophy. The playoff structure is as follows:
- Qualifier 1: May 20 in Hyderabad – The top two teams from the league stage will face off, with the winner advancing directly to the final.
- Eliminator: May 21 in Hyderabad – The third and fourth-placed teams will compete, with the winner moving on to Qualifier 2.
- Qualifier 2: May 23 in Kolkata – The winner of the Eliminator will face the loser of Qualifier 1 for a spot in the final.
- Final: May 25 in Kolkata – The two best teams will compete for the championship.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 season is set to deliver another thrilling, cricketing extravaganza with top-tier players, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the tournament promises to keep you on the edge of your seat. From the opening match at Eden Gardens to the grand finale, every moment of IPL 2025 will be packed with excitement and drama.
Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and prepare for two months of non-stop cricketing action. The IPL is not just a tournament; it’s a festival that brings together millions of fans worldwide. Don’t miss out on the action – tune in and cheer for your favourite team!
