Indian Premier League 2025: Everything you need to know about the 18th IPL edition

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL 18), officially branded as TATA IPL 2025, is set to be another thrilling chapter in the league’s storied history. Scheduled to take place from March 22 to May 25, this season will witness ten teams competing across 74 matches in 13 cities. Kolkata Knight Riders, the defending champions, will host the tournament opener at Eden Gardens, marking the return of IPL action to one of cricket’s most iconic venues.

As one of the most-watched T20 leagues in the world, the Indian Premier League continues to evolve, bringing new rules, increased competition, and a broadcasting overhaul that is set to reshape how fans engage with the tournament.

How Has the IPL Evolved Since Its Inception?

Launched in 2008 by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the IPL revolutionized the sport by introducing the franchise-based T20 format. With high-profile international players, franchise owners from Bollywood and business circles, and lucrative broadcasting deals, the league quickly became the richest domestic cricket tournament. Over the years, it has served as a platform for emerging talent, with Indian and overseas players making a mark on the global stage.

The IPL has also witnessed the introduction of new franchises, including Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants in 2022, expanding the tournament’s reach. Kolkata Knight Riders, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings have dominated the league, winning multiple titles. However, with frequent upsets, rising stars, and intense rivalries, every season of the IPL brings unpredictability that keeps fans engaged.

What Is the Format of IPL 2025?

The tournament follows a dual-group format, with teams divided into Group A and Group B. Each team plays twice against teams in its group and once against teams in the opposite group, except for one cross-group team, which they face twice.

After the group stage, the top four teams qualify for the playoffs, which consist of:

• Qualifier 1: The top two teams face off, with the winner advancing to the final.
• Eliminator: The third and fourth-placed teams play each other, with the loser getting eliminated.
• Qualifier 2: The loser of Qualifier 1 plays the winner of the Eliminator, with the winner securing the second finalist spot.

This format ensures that teams finishing in the top two have an extra chance to reach the final, making the league highly competitive until the last match.

What Are the Key Rule Changes in IPL 2025?

One of the major regulatory shifts this year is that the IPL will adopt the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct for T20 international matches, replacing the league’s independent code. This change is expected to streamline penalties, umpiring decisions, and fair play regulations.

Additionally, the BCCI has decided to maintain 74 matches for the 2025 season, resisting calls for expansion. However, future editions are expected to increase to 84 matches, reflecting the tournament’s growing popularity and commercial appeal.

What Does the IPL 2025 Schedule Look Like?

The season kicks off with the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22 at Eden Gardens. The league stage runs until May 18, followed by the playoffs:

• Qualifier 1: May 20 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• Eliminator: May 21 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• Qualifier 2: May 23 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
• Final: May 25 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

With the IPL final returning to Kolkata for the first time since 2015, fans at Eden Gardens can expect a grand spectacle.

How Will IPL 2025 Be Broadcasted?

The IPL media landscape has seen a major shake-up, with Disney Star and Viacom18 merging into JioStar. Additionally, JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar have merged to form JioHotstar, which will stream the IPL digitally.

With these mergers, IPL 2025 is set to offer enhanced streaming quality, regional language commentary, and interactive viewing features, further revolutionizing the fan experience.

Which Teams and Players Will Dominate IPL 2025?

The same ten teams from 2024 will compete this season. Here’s a look at some key contenders:

• Kolkata Knight Riders (Defending Champions): Led by Ajinkya Rahane, the team will aim to defend its title with a power-packed squad featuring Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, and Shreyas Iyer.
• Mumbai Indians: Despite finishing 10th last season, Mumbai remains a formidable force with a revamped lineup under Hardik Pandya. Jasprit Bumrah and Suryakumar Yadav will be key players.
• Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni’s leadership legacy continues, but with Ruturaj Gaikwad taking over as captain, all eyes will be on how CSK adapts to its new era.
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Virat Kohli’s continued presence makes RCB one of the most-followed teams, and with the addition of Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell, they remain strong contenders.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad: Last year’s runners-up, led by Pat Cummins, will once again rely on Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Abhishek Sharma to challenge for the title.

Big-Money Transfers and Auction Highlights

The IPL 2025 Mega Auction, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was historic, with record-breaking bids:

• Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants): ₹27 crore – the most expensive player in IPL history.
• Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings): ₹26.75 crore – the highest bid for a batter.
• Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders): ₹24.75 crore – the highest-priced bowler.

In a surprising move, 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player in IPL history, signing with Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.1 crore.

Which Venues Will Host IPL 2025?

IPL 2025 will be played across 13 cities. The league stage will feature matches in:

• Eden Gardens (Kolkata)
• Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai)
• MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chennai)
• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium (Bengaluru)
• Narendra Modi Stadium (Ahmedabad)
• Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium (Hyderabad)
• BRSABV Ekana Stadium (Lucknow)
• Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (Dharamsala)

For the first time, Punjab Kings will play three home matches in Dharamsala, while Rajasthan Royals will have two matches in Guwahati.

What Can Fans Expect from IPL 2025?

With new broadcasting technology, high-profile transfers, and intense rivalries, IPL 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. The return of full-capacity crowds, the expansion of home venues, and the ever-growing influence of young Indian talent will ensure that this season delivers non-stop action.

As the countdown to March 22 begins, cricket fans worldwide will be gearing up for two months of exhilarating T20 cricket. Whether it’s a record-breaking batting performance, a game-changing bowling spell, or a thrilling last-over finish, IPL 2025 is set to add another chapter to the league’s rich history.