New Start Date for IPL 2025
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, marking the 18th season of the tournament, is now scheduled to kick off on March 21, 2025, as per recent media reports. This date is a week later than the earlier proposed start of March 14. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seems to have made this decision to reduce the workload on players. With the ICC Champions Trophy taking place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9, the new start date ensures that players get a short but much-needed rest before diving into the high-intensity IPL.
Opening Match at Eden Gardens
The opening match of IPL 2025 will be hosted at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the home ground of the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, KKR clinched the IPL 2024 title, defeating Pat Cummins’ Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final to secure their third championship win. The grand start at Eden Gardens promises an electrifying atmosphere, continuing the tradition of honoring the previous season’s champions.
Playoff Venues Announced
The playoffs for IPL 2025 will stick to tradition, with games split between the home grounds of the IPL 2024 finalists:
- Eden Gardens, Kolkata: Will host two playoff games, including the highly anticipated final on May 25, 2025.
- Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad: Will host the other two playoff matches.
This arrangement guarantees passionate fan support and memorable encounters at these iconic venues.
Match Timings
To accommodate diverse audiences, IPL 2025 matches will follow the standard schedule:
- Evening matches: Start at 7:30 PM IST.
- Day matches: Begin at 3:30 PM IST.
Fans can expect prime-time excitement for evening games and early action during the weekends.
Live Broadcast and Streaming Details
Star Sports retains the broadcasting rights for IPL 2025. However, following the merger between Jio and Star, there are questions about whether their channels will combine for live telecasts. Regardless, fans can look forward to extensive coverage across TV and digital platforms, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the action.
Final Thoughts on IPL 2025
IPL 2025 promises to be a thrilling spectacle with a fresh start date and iconic venues hosting the critical matches. The combination of Kolkata Knight Riders’ star power, revamped schedules, and exciting playoff traditions guarantees a season to remember. Mark your calendars for March 21, 2025, and prepare for another unforgettable chapter in IPL history!(cricket betting tips)