IPL 2025 Set for March 22 Kickoff with KKR vs RCB Opener at Eden Gardens
Author: Joy Sarcar
Updated At:
The much-anticipated 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to begin on Saturday, March 22, 2025. As per tradition, the season opener will feature the defending champions playing at their home venue.
Eden Gardens in Kolkata will witness the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking the field in the first match of the tournament. Their opponents for the night will be Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who recently announced Rajat Patidar as their new captain.
Sunrisers Hyderabad to Begin Campaign at Home
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), last season’s runners-up, will also enjoy a home start to their campaign. They will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an afternoon fixture at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Uppal on Sunday, March 23. This game will mark the first afternoon encounter of the season, setting the stage for a thrilling IPL campaign.
Schedule Awaited But Key Fixtures Revealed
While fans eagerly await the complete IPL schedule, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to make an official announcement. However, sources indicate that franchises have already been informed about the key matches. The grand finale is expected to be played on Sunday, May 25, at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, in line with the tradition of hosting the final in the home city of the defending champions.
The delay in the official schedule was partly due to discussions between the BCCI and broadcasters. Initially, the tournament was expected to commence on March 23, but broadcasters requested a Saturday start, leading to the revised March 22 opening date.
Expanded Venues for IPL 2025
This season will see matches played across 12 venues. Apart from the ten regular locations—Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Mullanpur, Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, and Hyderabad—two additional venues will be included: Guwahati and Dharamsala.
Rajasthan Royals have picked Guwahati as their secondary home ground and will play two evening games there, against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 26 and Chennai Super Kings on March 30. Meanwhile, Dharamsala will once again host a couple of home games for Punjab Kings, with the possibility of a third fixture being played there.
Playoff Venues Announced
As previously disclosed, Hyderabad will host the first two playoff matches. The Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator will take place in the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. The action will then shift to Kolkata, where Qualifier 2 and the grand final will be played at Eden Gardens.
High Expectations for IPL 2025
The upcoming IPL promises to be another thrilling spectacle, with teams eyeing the prestigious title and fans eagerly following their favorite players. With new captaincies, fresh strategies, and exciting venues, the season is expected to deliver high-octane cricket and intense rivalries. Live cricket betting odds and prediction markets will be closely monitored as fans and analysts assess each team's chances of lifting the trophy.
With the full schedule expected in the next few days, teams and fans alike are gearing up for yet another electrifying edition of the IPL. As cricket fever builds up, all eyes will be on Eden Gardens for the blockbuster opening clash between KKR and RCB.
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