The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back for its 18th thrilling season starting March 22, 2025. Cricket fans around the world are gearing up for two months of non-stop cricketing action. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will kick off the tournament at their iconic home ground Eden Gardens, setting the tone for an electrifying tournament.
📅 IPL 2025 Schedule
| Stage | Date | Time (IST / GMT) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tournament Start | March 22 | 3:30pm / 10:00 GMT | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Round-Robin Phase | Mar 22 – May 18 | Various | Multiple venues |
| Qualifier 1 | May 20 | 7:30pm / 14:00 GMT | Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Stadium, Hyderabad |
| Eliminator | May 21 | 7:30pm / 14:00 GMT | Rajiv Gandhi Intl. Stadium, Hyderabad |
| Qualifier 2 | May 23 | 7:30pm / 14:00 GMT | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
| Final | May 25 | 7:30pm / 14:00 GMT | Eden Gardens, Kolkata |
📊 Format for IPL 2025
The 2025 season marks a return to the full league-style round-robin format. All 10 teams will play each other twice—once at home and once away. This ensures a fair and exciting competition throughout the group stage.
Knockout Structure:
- Qualifier 1: Top two teams battle for a direct spot in the Final.
- Eliminator: 3rd vs 4th placed teams. Loser is eliminated.
- Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator for the second spot in the Final.
🏏 IPL 2025 Team Captains
| Team | Captain |
|---|---|
| Chennai Super Kings | Ruturaj Gaikwad |
| Delhi Capitals | Axar Patel |
| Gujarat Titans | Shubman Gill |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Ajinkya Rahane |
| Lucknow Super Giants | Rishabh Pant |
| Mumbai Indians | Hardik Pandya |
| Punjab Kings | Shreyas Iyer |
| Rajasthan Royals | Sanju Samson |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Rajat Patidar |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Pat Cummins |
💰 Biggest Signings in IPL 2025 Auction
- Most Expensive Player: Rishabh Pant – $3.2 million (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Most Expensive Foreign Player: Jos Buttler – $1.8 million (Gujarat Titans)
- Punjab Kings signed Shreyas Iyer for $3.17 million.
🏆 Prize Money – IPL 2025
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| Champions | $2.32 million |
| Runners-up | $1.5 million |
| Third Place | $810,800 |
| Fourth Place | $752,894 |
🤔 IPL 2025 – FAQs
❓ When does IPL 2025 start and end?
Start: March 22, 2025 | End: May 25, 2025
Venues: Opening and final matches at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
❓ How many teams are playing in IPL 2025?
There are 10 teams participating.
Final Thoughts
IPL 2025 promises excitement, drama, and unforgettable cricketing moments. Get ready for the biggest T20 league in the world!
