The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off on March 22, with Eden Gardens hosting both the tournament opener and the final. This marks the first time in a decade that Kolkata will host the IPL final, with the last instances being in 2013 and 2015.
The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), champions of IPL 2024, will open their campaign against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in an exciting evening clash. The final is scheduled for May 25, promising a thrilling conclusion to the 65-day tournament.
Playoff Venues and Schedule
While Eden Gardens will also host Qualifier 2 (May 23), the other two playoff matches will be played in Hyderabad, home of 2024 runners-up Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
- Qualifier 1 – May 20 (Hyderabad)
- Eliminator – May 21 (Hyderabad)
- Qualifier 2 – May 23 (Kolkata)
- Final – May 25 (Kolkata)
Tournament Format and Team Groupings
Like previous seasons, IPL 2025 will have 74 matches across 13 venues, including 12 double-headers. The 10 teams have been divided into two groups:
Group 1:
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
- Punjab Kings (PBKS)
Group 2:
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- Delhi Capitals (DC)
- Gujarat Titans (GT)
- Mumbai Indians (MI)
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Each team will play every other team in their group twice, while they will face four teams from the opposite group once and one team twice.
Key Matches and Venues
-
March 23 Double-Header:
- SRH vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad)
- Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians (Chennai)
-
Punjab Kings’ Three-Match Home Streak (Dharamsala):
- PBKS vs Delhi Capitals (May 4)
- PBKS vs Mumbai Indians (May 7)
- PBKS vs LSG (May 11)
-
CSK vs MI Rivalry Matches:
- March 23 (Chennai)
- April 20 (Mumbai)
What to Expect from IPL 2025?
With the return of iconic rivalries, new emerging talents, and the intense competition for playoff spots, IPL 2025 is set to deliver another action-packed season. Fans can expect high-octane cricket, strategic team rotations, and some unexpected twists as teams battle for glory.
Stay tuned as the race for the IPL 2025 trophy begins!
