Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The much-awaited day is here and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finally announced the schedule of the 2025 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). The tournament will kickstart from March 22 where defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. It is to be noted that Shreyas Iyer-led KKR beat SunRisers Hyderabad by eight wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai in IPL 2024 summit clash to lift their third trophy.
Speaking of IPL 2025, which is the 18th edition of the cash-rich league, it will feature 10 teams competing in 74 matches. Since KKR are the defending champions, they will host the opening ceremony and feature in the tournament opener in their home ground in Kolkata. As seen in the past season as well, runners-up SunRisers Hyderabad will not play the season opener, but will take on inaugural winners Rajasthan Royals on March 23 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
KKR to play RCB on March 22; final scheduled for May 25 in Kolkata
The much-awaited rivalry, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) taking on Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) is scheduled for March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Their next face-off is scheduled for April 20, which will be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Moreover, Kolkata's Eden Gardens and the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will host the playoffs of the upcoming edition, which will run from May 20 till 25.
